| abstract |
Disclosed herein is a process for the selective hydrogenation of the carbon-carbon double bonds of an unsaturated, nitrile-group-containing polymer with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst. An aqueous emulsion of the unsaturated, nitrile-group-containing polymer is used. Optionally, an organic solvent capable of dissolving or swelling the polymer is caused to exist at a volume ratio of the aqueous emulsion to the organic solvent in a range of from 1:3 to 1:0. A palladium compound is used as the hydrogenation catalyst. The aqueous emulsion is brought into contact with gaseous or dissolved hydrogen while maintaining an emulsified state. |