Ni-Al (1:1) alloy was prepd. by smelting components at 1453 degrees C. The alloy was annealed at 300-1000 degrees C for 4-12 h, leached with aq. NaOH soln. at 80-100 degrees C for 3.5 days and then tested for catalytic activity in hydrogenation of maleic acid. The Ni catalyst made of an Ni-Al alloy annealed at 500 degrees C for 12 h showed the highest catalytic activity.