Seven Ni/Al2O3 catalysts (Al content up to 10% by mole) were prepd. by copptn. from ag. solns. of Al(NO3)(3) and NiCO3 center dot 2Ni(OH)(2), calcination at 600 degrees C for 2 h and redn. with H-2. The catalysts were used for hydrogenation of maleic acid to study their catalytic activity. The catalyst with Al content 1% by mole showed the highest catalytic activity.