Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for sulfiding a catalyst composition comprising at least one hydrogenation metal component of Group VI and/or Group VIII of the Periodic Table, and an S-containing organic additive wherein the catalyst composition is contacted with hydrogen and a sulfur-containing compound in the gaseous phase, characterized in that the process is carried out ex situ. By carrying out the process ex situ, the formation of undesirable side compounds in the hydrotreating unit is prevented. Additionally, the reactor suffers less downtime, and the start-up of the reactor may be simplified. The S-containing organic additive preferably is a mercapto-compound, more preferably a mercaptocarboxylic acid represented by the general formula HS—R1-COOR, wherein R1 stands for a divalent hydrocarbon group with 1-about 10 carbon atoms and R stands for a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, ammonium, or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to about 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for activating a catalyst composition comprising at least one hydrogenation metal component of Group VI and/or Group VIII of the Periodic Table, and an S-containing organic additive, wherein the catalyst is contacted with hydrogen at a temperature between room temperature and about 600° C., preferably about 100-450° C., and prior to or during the contacting with hydrogen the catalyst is contacted with an organic liquid. Preferably, the contacting with the organic liquid is carried out prior to the contacting with hydrogen. The organic liquid may be a hydrocarbon with a boiling range of 150-500° C., preferably white oil, gasoline, diesel, or gas oil or mineral lube oil. It was found that the application of an organic liquid prior to or during the hydrogen treatment results in catalysts with an increased activity. The invention also comprises catalyst made by the above process and the use of such catalyst in hydrotreating.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for sulfiding a catalyst composition comprising at least one hydrogenation metal component of Group VI and/or Group VIII of the Periodic Table, and an S-containing organic additive wherein the catalyst composition is contacted in two steps with hydrogen and a sulfur-containing compound in the gaseous phase, with the first step being performed at a temperature which is lower than that of the second step. Catalysts sulfided by the process according to the invention show a higher activity than the same catalysts which have been sulfided in a one-step process. It is preferred to carry out the process according to the invention ex situ, where it solves the problem of difficult start-up and the formation of undesirable side products in the hydrotreating unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the ex situ presulfidation of hydrotreating catalysts employing organic sulfur compounds with a boiling point exceeding 100.degree. C. and satisfying the formulaX--R.sup.1 (S--R.sup.2).sub.p S--R.sup.3 --Y (I)wherein p=0, 1 or 2,R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 may be the same or different and represent alkylene groups having 1-4 carbon atoms,X and Y may be the same or different and have the meaning of --H, --OH, --OR.sup.4 4 or --C(O)OR.sup.5, whereinR.sup.4 has the meaning of an alkyl group or acyl group with 1-3 carbon atoms, andR.sup.5 has the meaning of --H, an ammonium group or an alkyl group with 1-3 carbon atoms.Also disclosed is a process for activating the thus presulfided catalyst.