Abstract: The present invention provides a process of preparing a high coordination sulfated mixed metal oxide catalyst. The process comprises mixing specific ratios of alumina and zirconia mixtures at specific particle size limits which do not exceed 37 ?m, in the presence of a combination of ?-amino acids, i.e., non-polar side chains and basic side chains having molecular weight less than 250, nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) at a pH range of 1.5 to 3.8 at temperatures below 30° C. The catalysts have a high conversion towards hydrocarbon isomerization reaction while concurrently having crushing strength in range of 2.0 daN and 5.0 daN, allowing for efficient commercial application.