Zirconium hydroxide supported metal and heteropolyacid catalysts

摘要

The present invention is directed to novel catalyst compositions, their preparation, and their use in a selective paraffin isomerization process. The solid acid catalyst compositions comprise a zirconium hydroxide support, a Group VIII metal, and a heteropolyacid selected from the group consisting of the exchanged aluminum salt of 12-tungstophosphoric acid, the exchanged salt of 12-tungstosilicic acid, and mixtures thereof. The use of said catalysts in an isomerization process comprises contacting said catalysts with a feed comprising Cn or Cn+ paraffins, wherein n=4.