Abstract: A solid, acid catalyst, supported or unsupported, comprised of an anion modified Group IVB oxide is used to dimerize C.sub.3 or C.sub.4 containing feedstreams.

Abstract: Useful cracking catalysts and catalyst supports comprising a mixture of tungsten oxide and silica supported on a boehmite-like surface which, in turn, is supported on alumina are prepared by forming a composite of particles of (a) tungsten oxide, (b) silica and (c) boehmite and subjecting the composite to steaming at a temperature of at least about 500.degree. C. During the steaming, the tungsten oxide and silica react with the surface of the boehmite as the boehmite converts to alumina.

Abstract: Useful cracking catalysts and catalyst supports comprising a mixture of tungsten oxide and silica supported on a boehmite-like surface which, in turn, is supported on alumina are prepared by forming a composite of particles of (a) tungsten oxide, (b) silica and (c) boehmite and subjecting the composite to steaming at a temperature of at least about 500.degree. C. During the steaming, the tungsten oxide and silica react with the surface of the boehmite as the boehmite converts to alumina.

Abstract: Useful cracking catalysts and catalyst supports comprising silica supported on alumina are prepared by compositing particles of silica or silica precursor with particles of porous alumina and subjecting the resulting composite to high temperature steaming in a non-reducing environment at a temperature of at least about 500.degree. C. for a time sufficient to disperse at least a portion of the silica over the alumina surface. The silica wets, spreads out and reactions with the surface hydroxyul groups of the alumina. The supported silica on alumina composites that can be made from this process may exhibit properties of both bulk silica and bulk alumina at the same time, bulk silica and alumina whose exterior surface only has been modified with silica as wells as composites exhibiting surface properties different from both bulk silica and bulk alumina.

Abstract: Useful cracking catalysts and catalyst supports comprising silica supported on a boehmite-like surface are prepared by compositing particles of silica or hydrated silica with particles of porous boehmite and subjecting the resulting composite to high temperature steaming at a temperature of at least about 600.degree. C. for a time sufficient to disperse at least a portion of the silica over the boehmite surface as the boehmite converts to .gamma.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. The silica wets, spreads out and reacts with the surface hydroxyl groups of the transforming boehmite.

Abstract: Useful cracking catalysts and catalyst supports comprising mixtures of tungsten oxide and silica supported on alumina are prepared by forming a composite of a mixture of (a) particles of tungsten oxide or one or more suitable tungsten oxide precursors, (b) particles of silica and (c) particles of porous alumina and steaming said composite at a temperature of at least about 500.degree. C. in a non-reducing environment for a time sufficient for at least a portion of the tungsten oxide and silica to disperse over the alumina surface. The mixture of silica and tungsten oxide wets, spreads out and reacts with the surface hydroxyl groups of the alumina.