Catalyst and benzohydrogenization using same

Hydrogenation of benzene comprises two stages: (a) the charge-contg. benzene and a H2-rich gas is progressively introduced to a reaction zone contg. a liq. phase rich in cyclohexane, and a Ni-based catalyst in suspension in this phase. The zone is maintained at 100-250 C and 0.5-10 MPa, and a gaseous phase is recovered contg. cyclohexane, H2 and benzene; (b) the gaseous effluent from (a) is directed to a reactor contg at least one fixed bed of a solid Ni-based hydrogenation catalyst and operating at 100-300 C, 0.5-10 MPa and vol. velocity 1-10 h. After expansion and cooling pure cyclohexane is obtd. The catalyst used in stage (a) is a prod. resulting from the redn. of at least one nickel carboxylate, R .COO Ni. R = 1-24(pref. 6-12)C hydrocarbyl and at least one sodium carboxylate, R .COO Na; R = 1-24 hydrocarbyl Ämolar ratio of Ni:Na = 2:1 to 1000:1Ü by at least one trialkyl-aluminium, AlR R R ; R ,R ,R (independently) = 1-12C alkyl, in soln. in an hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon mixt. Also claimed is the Ni-based catalyst prepared as above.