PURPOSE: To obtain γ-butyrolactone economically with the excellent selectivity and in a high yield by hydrogenating maleic anhydride in the vapor phase, using a catalyst comprising specific three components.

CONSTITUTION: γ-Butyrolactone is obtained by hydrogenating (A) maleic anhydride in the vaporphase with (B) a catalyst containing three components, that is, (i) preferably 68 to 85 (wt.)% of CuO, (ii) preferably 15 to 30% of Cr2O3, and (iii) preferably 0.5 to 5% of SiO2, with a preferable CuO:Cr2O3:SiO2 ratio of 78:20:2, using an inert gas (preferably N2 gas) as a diluent. It is preferable to use the maleic anhydride and hydrogen with 1:50 to 1:150 molar ratio.