Abstract:
This invention describes a process for regenerating deactivated noble metal hydrogenation catalysts to restore their catalytic activity. The process involves contacting a deactivated noble metal hydrogenation catalyst with a polar organic solvent, then contacting the solvent-treated catalyst with an aqueous ammonium hydroxide solution followed by contacting the ammonium hydroxidetreated catalyst with steam and an oxygen-containing gas at temperatures from about 250*C to the transition temperature of the catalyst crystal structure whereby the catalytic activity of the catalyst is substantially improved.