(WO9631275-A1)      Water-soluble noble metal catalyst precursor comprises a carboxylic acid in combination with a noble metal compsn. selected from Pd, Pt, Rh and their oxides.    Also claimed are: (a) noble metal catalyst prepn. comprising a dilute aq. soln. of an -hydroxy carboxylic acid in combination with a noble metal compsn. selected from Pd, Pt, Rh and their oxides; (b) prepn. of the water-soluble noble metal catalyst precursor; (c) water-soluble noble metal catalyst precursor comprising lactic acid in combination with a noble metal compsn. selected from Pd, Pt, Rh and their oxides; and (d) noble metal catalyst precursor comprising the reaction prod. of an -hydroxy carboxylic acid and an aq. noble metal selected from Pd, Pt, Rh or its oxides.    USE -   The resulting catalysts are suitable as automotive catalysts, stationary pollution abatement catalysts, hydrocracking catalysts and for use in fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -    The new water-soluble catalyst precursors when subjected to thermolysis do not release NOx , chloride or SOx. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9622 based on complete specification)    (EP819025-A1)      Water-soluble noble metal catalyst precursor comprises a carboxylic acid in combination with a noble metal compsn. selected from Pd, Pt, Rh and their oxides.    Also claimed are: (a) noble metal catalyst prepn. comprising a dilute aq. soln. of an -hydroxy carboxylic acid in combination with a noble metal compsn. selected from Pd, Pt, Rh and their oxides; (b) prepn. of the water-soluble noble metal catalyst precursor; (c) water-soluble noble metal catalyst precursor comprising lactic acid in combination with a noble metal compsn. selected from Pd, Pt, Rh and their oxides; and (d) noble metal catalyst precursor comprising the reaction prod. of an -hydroxy carboxylic acid and an aq. noble metal selected from Pd, Pt, Rh or its oxides.    USE -   The resulting catalysts are suitable as automotive catalysts, stationary pollution abatement catalysts, hydrocracking catalysts and for use in fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -    The new water-soluble catalyst precursors when subjected to thermolysis do not release NOx , chloride or SOx. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9622 based on complete specification)