Abstract: The intrinsic kinetics of catalytic hydrogenation of rosin on Raney nickel was investigated at temperature 423 K to 453 K and under pressure 4 0 MPa to 7 0 MPa. Gas hold-up and reaction in autoclaves with different types of stirrers were determined. The result showed that the catalytic hydrogenation of rosin on Raney nickel is a reaction of external diffusion control. The external diffusion effect was eliminated by adding No 200 solvent oil, changing stirrer type and increasing rotational speed. Based on the experimental results, a suitable reaction model was selected from 17 probable reaction mechanism models, i e the main component abietic-acid in rosin is not absorbed and absorption of atomic hydrogen with reaction between atomically absorbed hydrogen on catalyst surface and abietic-acid could be the controlling step. The intrinsic kinetic equation was acquired. It is useful to provide a theoretical basis for the development of industrial process.