Abstract: Tungstated zirconium catalysts for paraffin isomerization may comprise: a mixed metal oxide that is at least partially crystalline and comprises tungsten, zirconium, and a variable oxidation state metal selected from Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Ce, Ni, and any combination thereof. The mixed metal oxide comprises about 5 wt. % to about 25 wt. % tungsten, about 40 wt. % to about 70 wt. % zirconium, and about 0.01 wt. % to about 5 wt. % variable oxidation state metal, each based on a total mass of the mixed metal oxide. The mixed metal oxide has a total surface area of about 50 m2/g or greater as measured according to ISO 9277, and at least one of the following: an ammonia uptake of about 0.05 to about 0.3 mmol/g as measured by temperature programmed adsorption/desorption, or a collidine uptake of about 100 ?mol/g or greater as measured gravimetrically.

Abstract: Isomerization of normal paraffins to form branched paraffins may be complicated by significant cracking of C7+ paraffins under isomerization reaction conditions. This issue may complicate upgrading of hydrocarbon feeds having significant quantities of heavier normal paraffins. Cracking selectivity may be decreased by combining one or more naphthenic compounds with a feed mixture comprising at least one C7+ normal paraffin and/or by utilizing tungstated zirconium catalysts having decreased tungsten loading. Further, C5 and C6 normal paraffins may undergo isomerization in the presence of C7+ normal paraffins.

Abstract: Tungstated zirconium catalysts for paraffin isomerization may comprise: a mixed metal oxide that is at least partially crystalline and comprises tungsten, zirconium, and a variable oxidation state metal selected from Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Ce, Ni, and any combination thereof. The mixed metal oxide comprises about 5 wt. % to about 25 wt. % tungsten, about 40 wt. % to about 70 wt. % zirconium, and about 0.01 wt. % to about 5 wt. % variable oxidation state metal, each based on a total mass of the mixed metal oxide. The mixed metal oxide has a total surface area of about 50 m2/g or greater as measured according to ISO 9277, and at least one of the following: an ammonia uptake of about 0.05 to about 0.3 mmol/g as measured by temperature programmed adsorption/desorption, or a collidine uptake of about 100 ?mol/g or greater as measured gravimetrically.