A process for the liquid phase selective hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes
with
high selectivity to alkenes relative to alkanes, high alkyne conversion, and sustained
catalytic activity comprising a reactant comprising an alkyne and a non-hydrocarbon
solvent/absorbent, contacting the reactant stream with a hydrogen-containing stream
in the presence of a supported, promoted, Group VIII catalyst, removing the solvent/absorbent,
and recovering the alkene product.