| abstract |
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 silica support, a Group VIII metal, and a heteropolyacid selected from the group consisting of 12-tungstophosphoric acid, 12-tungstosilicic acid, the exchanged aluminum salt of 12-tungstophosphoric acid, the exchanged aluminum 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 C n or C n + paraffins, wherein n=4. |