Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of preparing dehydrogenation catalysts using non-halogen containing metal sources. The methods generally comprise the steps of providing a first solution comprising anions of a first metal selected from Group 14 of the Periodic Table of Elements, and impregnating an inorganic support with the first solution to obtain a first impregnated inorganic support, wherein the first solution has a pH value of less than the isoelectric point of the inorganic support. The dehydrogenation catalysts prepared in accordance with the methods of the present disclosure are typically free or substantially free of halogen species. Such catalysts may be particularly useful in the dehydrogenation of a feed comprising cyclohexane and/or methylcyclopentane.

Abstract: A process of methane catalytic conversion produces olefins, aromatics, and hydrogen under oxygen-free, continuous flowing conditions. Such a process has little coke deposition and realizes atom-economic conversion. Under the conditions encountered in a fixed bed reactor (i.e. reaction temperature: 750-1200° C.; reaction pressure: atmospheric pressure; the weight hourly space velocity of feed gas: 1000-30000 ml/g/h; and fixed bed), conversion of methane is 8-50%. The selectivity of olefins is 30-90%. And selectivity of aromatics is 10-70%. The catalyst for this methane conversion has a SiO2-based matrix having active species that are formed by confining dopant metal atoms in the lattice of the matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to the conversion of paraffinic hydrocarbon to oligomers of greater molecular weight and/or to aromatic hydrocarbon. The invention also relates to equipment and materials useful in such conversion, and to the use of such conversion for, e.g., natural gas upgrading. Corresponding olefinic hydrocarbon is produced from the paraffinic hydrocarbon in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst containing a catalytically active carbonaceous component. The corresponding olefinic hydrocarbon is then converted by oligomerization and/or dehydrocyclization in the presence of at least one molecular sieve catalyst.

Abstract: Methods for treating or rejuvenating a spent catalyst are disclosed. Such methods can employ a step of halogenating the spent catalyst, followed by decoking the halogenated spent catalyst. The halogenation step can utilize fluorine and chlorine together, or fluorine and chlorine can be applied sequentially.

Abstract: In a dehydrogenation process a hydrocarbon stream comprising at least one non-aromatic six-membered ring compound and at least one five-membered ring compound is contacted with a dehydrogenation catalyst produced by a method comprising treating the support with a liquid composition comprising the dehydrogenation component or a precursor thereof and at least one organic dispersant selected from an amino alcohol and an amino acid. The contacting is conducted under conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the at least one non-aromatic six-membered ring compound in the hydrocarbon stream to benzene and to convert at least a portion of the at least one five-membered ring compound in the hydrocarbon stream to paraffins.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of energy from synthesis gas waste products obtained from wet crushed coal, according to a gasification-pyrolysis process, which comprises the submission of the waste products obtained during the production of the synthesis gas to a subsequent treatment, to transform such products into other products of the branched-chain alkane type and aromatic compounds, recovering the hydrogen obtained during these reactions, which will be available to be used at other chemical processing plants, as fuel or simply to be fed back to the gasification-pyrolysis process itself, to enrich the synthesis gas obtained.

Abstract: Methods for treating or rejuvenating a spent catalyst are disclosed. Such methods can employ a step of halogenating the spent catalyst, followed by decoking the halogenated spent catalyst.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed that achieve a high conversion of lignin to aromatic hydrocarbons, and that may be carried out without the addition of a base. Depolymerization and deoxygenation, the desired lignin convention steps to yield aromatic hydrocarbons, are carried by contacting a mixture of lignin and a solvent (e.g., a lignin slurry) with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst. A preferred solvent is a hydrogen transfer solvent such as a single-ring or fused-ring aromatic compound that beneficially facilitates depolymerization and hinders coke formation. These advantages result in favorable overall process economics for obtaining fuel components and/or chemicals from renewable sources.

Abstract: A catalyst and its preparation and use are disclosed. The catalyst is a silicalite having germanium (Ge) included within the framework of the silicalite prepared in a particular manner. The catalyst may be used in a method of converting hydrocarbons wherein a hydrocarbon feed is contacted with the catalyst. The catalyst may be formed by preparing an aqueous reaction mixture of a silica-containing silicalite precursor material and a germanium source. The reactants of the reaction mixture are allowed to react. The reacted reaction mixture is heated under conditions to form crystals of a silicalite having germanium included within the framework of the silicalite. The crystals are then calcined to form the catalyst. In certain embodiments, a noble metal may be deposited upon the germanium-containing silicalite.

Abstract: Processes are provided for producing triphenylene by combining at least dodecahydrotriphenylene, a dehydrogenation catalyst such as palladium on carbon, and an aliphatic solvent having a boiling point greater than 180° C. to form a reaction mixture, heating the reaction mixture to at least about 180° C. but lower than the boiling point of the aliphatic solvent, maintaining the temperature of the reaction mixture at 180° C. but lower than the boiling point of the aliphatic solvent, and passing a purge fluid comprising an inert fluid through the reaction mixture, for a period of time adequate for production of triphenylene.

Abstract: In a process for the dehydrogenation of cyclohexanone to produce phenol, a feed comprising cyclohexanone is contacted with a catalyst comprising an inorganic, crystalline, mesoporous support material and a hydrogenation-dehydrogenation component under dehydrogenation conditions effective to convert at least part of the cyclohexanone in the feed into phenol and hydrogen.

Abstract: In a dehydrogenation process a hydrocarbon stream comprising at least one non-aromatic six-membered ring compound and at least one five-membered ring compound is contacted with a dehydrogenation catalyst comprising: (i) a support; (ii) a first component comprising at least one metal component selected from Group 1 and Group 2 of the Periodic Table of Elements; and (iii) a second component comprising at least one metal component selected from Groups 6 to 10 of the Periodic Table of Elements, wherein the catalyst composition exhibits an oxygen chemisorption of greater than 50%. The contacting is conducted under conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the at least one non-aromatic six-membered ring compound in the hydrocarbon stream to benzene and to convert at least a portion of the at least one five-membered ring compound in the hydrocarbon stream to paraffins.

Abstract: In a dehydrogenation process a hydrocarbon stream comprising at least one non-aromatic six-membered ring compound and at least one five-membered ring compound is contacted with a dehydrogenation catalyst produced by a method comprising treating the support with a liquid composition comprising the dehydrogenation component or a precursor thereof and at least one organic dispersant selected from an amino alcohol and an amino acid. The contacting is conducted under conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the at least one non-aromatic six-membered ring compound in the hydrocarbon stream to benzene and to convert at least a portion of the at least one five-membered ring compound in the hydrocarbon stream to paraffins.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process of producing high purity and high yield dimethylnaphthalene by dehydrogenating a dimethyltetralin isomer using a metal catalyst for dehydrogenation. The metal catalyst contains a carrier selected from alumina (Al2O3), silica (SiO2), a silica-alumina mixture and zeolite. The metal catalyst also contains 0.05 to 2.5% by weight of platinum (Pt), 0.1 to 3.0% by weight of tin (Sn) or indium (In), 0.5 to 15.0% by weight of at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and cesium (Cs), 0.3 to 3.0% by weight of chlorine, and 0.01 to 3.0 % by weight of zinc (Zn) or gallium (Ga) as active components based on an element weight of the final catalyst.

Abstract: The activity of a dehydrogenation catalyst is improved by increasing the water concentration maintained in the reactants toward the start of the catalyst's life, but after the catalyst has deactivated to the extent that the temperature required to maintain the conversion per pass of paraffinic hydrocarbon through the reaction zone increases by at least 2° C.

Abstract: A catalyst and process is disclosed to selectively upgrade a paraffinic feedstock to obtain an isoparaffin-rich product for blending into gasoline. The catalyst comprises a support of a tungstated oxide or hydroxide of a Group IVB (IUPAC 4) metal, a phosphorus component, and at least one platinum-group metal component which is preferably platinum. The catalyst has a structure other than a heteropoly anion structure.

Abstract: Reforming nanocatalysts are formed using a dispersing agent to increase the activity, selectivity and longevity of the catalyst when used in a reforming process. The nanocatalyst particles are formed using a dispersing agent having at least one functional group selected from the group of a hydroxyl, a carboxyl, a carbonyl, an amide, an amine, a thiol, a sulfonic acid, sulfonyl halide, an acyl halide, an organometallic complex, and combinations of these. The dispersing agent is particularly useful for forming multicomponent catalysts comprising an alloy, combination, mixture, decoration, or interspersion of platinum and one or more of tin, rhenium or iridium. The formation of the nanoparticles may include a heat treating process performed in an inert or oxidative environment to maintain the catalyst atoms in a non-zero oxidation state to thereby maintain a stronger bond between the dispersing agent and the catalyst atoms.

Abstract: Provided are: a uniformly, highly dispersed metal catalyst including a catalyst carrier and a catalyst metal being loaded thereon dispersed throughout the carrier, the uniformly, highly dispersed metal catalyst having excellent performances with respect to catalytic activity, selectivity, life, etc.; and a method of producing the same. The uniformly, highly dispersed metal catalyst includes a catalyst carrier made of a metal oxide and a catalyst metal having catalytic activity, the catalyst metal being loaded on the catalyst carrier, in which the catalyst carrier is a sulfur-containing catalyst carrier having sulfur or a sulfur compound almost evenly distributed throughout the carrier and the catalyst metal is loaded on the sulfur-containing catalyst carrier in a substantially evenly dispersed manner over the entire carrier substantially according to the distribution of the sulfur or the sulfur compound.

Abstract: A process for dehydrogenating organic compounds, in particular paraffins and naphthenes, is carried out in the presence of a supported catalyst comprising a group VIII metal such as platinum, and tin, at least a portion of which interacts strongly with the group VIII metal in the catalyst in the reduced state. In the partially oxidised state, the catalyst contains at least 10% of tin in the form of a reduced tin species with oxidation state 0, said species having an isomer shift in the range 0.80 to 2.60 mm/s and a quadrupolar splitting in the range 0.65 to 2.00 mm/s.

Abstract: The invention relates to a homogeneous bed of catalyst particles comprising at least one amorphous matrix, at least one noble metal, at least one additional metal M and at least one halogen, and in which, for a catalyst particle: CPt is the local concentration of noble metal; CM is the local concentration of additional metal M; Cx is the local concentration of halogen; in which catalyst particle bed the local dispersion of the value of CPt/CM or CPt/Cx is termed homogeneous along the diameter of the particle, which corresponds to at least 70% of the values CPt/CM or CPt/Cx deviating by a maximum of 30% from the local average ratio. The invention also relates to a process for transforming hydrocarbons into aromatic compounds with the catalyst, such as a gasoline reforming process and a process for producing aromatic compounds.

Abstract: A process for dehydrogenating organic compounds, in particular paraffins and naphthenes, is carried out in the presence of a supported catalyst comprising a group VIII metal such as platinum, and tin, at least a portion of which interacts strongly with the group VIII metal in the catalyst in the reduced state. In the partially oxidised state, the catalyst contains at least 10% of tin in the form of a reduced tin species with oxidation state 0, said species having an isomer shift in the range 0.80 to 2.60 mm/s and a quadrupolar splitting in the range 0.65 to 2.00 mm/s.

Abstract: The invention provides a chain diene compound with desirable regioselectivity, in the presence of a specific ruthenium compound. This chain diene compound is a promising raw material for terpene. It has a structure represented by the general formula (IX): wherein R1 represents H, a C1-C6 alkyl group which may be substituted or a C2-C6 alkenyl group which may be substituted, R2 represents a phenyl group which may have a C1-C4 alkyl group or a C1-C12 acyloxy group which may have a phenyl group or a naphthyl group, or a benzyl group or R2 is a hydroxy group which reversibly forms an aldehyde group through shifting of the position of the double bond adjacent to said hydroxy group. The chain diene compound is produced by reacting 2-substituted-1,3-butadienes with terminal olefins in the presence of a ruthenium compound in a hydrophilic solvent.

Abstract: In the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst made of palladium supported on active carbon, ethylbenzene is prepared from 4-vinylcyclohexene through catalytic transfer hydrogenation in a hydrogen donor solvent with an oxidizing agent. Reaction temperature ranges from 50 to 110.degree. C. The hydrogen donor solvent is selected from the group consisting of alcohol, water, and a mixture of these. The oxidizing agent is selected from monovalent or divalent nitro compounds, water, hydrogen peroxide, NaOCl, NaClO.sub.2, NaClO.sub.3, NaClO.sub.4, oxygen and air, and used in the amount of 0.02 to 3 moles per mole of 4-vinylcyclohexene.

Abstract: A catalyst composition contains a zeolite, cerium or cerium oxide, and a Group VIII metal or metal oxide. The composition is produced by contacting the zeolite with compounds of the metals and then heat-treating the metals-containing zeolite. Hydrocarbons are converted to C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 aromatic hydrocarbons by contacting the hydrocarbons with the catalyst composition at conversion conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of an alkyl benzene by catalytic dehydrogenation of the corresponding alkenyl cyclohexene in the gas phase in the presence of a diluent. A characteristic feature is that at least a part of the alkyl cyclohexane in the reaction product is used as diluent. Hydrogen can be used as an additional diluent according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zeolite beta catalyst characterized by critical limits of weak and strong acid species and exceptionally high catalytic activity. The catalyst is activated at a temperature effective to substantially reduce the concentration of strong acid species, i.e., hydronium cations, without substantially reducing the concentration of weak acid species, i.e., hydroxoaluminum cations, preferably following a calcining step wherein a synthesized zeolite beta catalyst containing a templating agent is calcined at a temperature in the range of from about 200.degree. to 1000.degree. C. in order to remove a substantial portion of the catalyst templating agent and an ion-exchanging step wherein the calcined catalyst is ion-exchanged with a salt solution containing at least one hydrogen forming cation selected from NH.sub.4.sup.+ and quaternary ammonium.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electroless process for making a catalyst in a liquid or gaseous medium comprising contacting a base metal with a chemical cleaning agent and simultaneously or sequentially treating said base metal under reducing conditions with a noble metal-containing material, the catalyst prepared using the process, and a method of using the catalyst.

Abstract: The catalyst is an L-type zeolite with platinum supported thereon, which is then treated with a halogen-containing compound. The catalyst has a long catalyst life and is extremely useful for the preparation of aromatic hydrocarbons from aliphatic hydrocarbons. The process using the catalyst provides a production of aromatic hydrocarbons with a high yield.

Abstract: A deactivated catalyst comprising a nonacidic zeolite and a Group VIII metal is regenerated by a two-step carbon burn process. The first oxidation step contacts the nonacidic zeolite catalyst with a halogen-free gaseous stream comprising oxygen and an inert gas at a first temperature sufficient to combust carbonaceous material while maintaining a substantial portion of the active Group VIII metal surface area withn the micropores of the nonacidic zeolite for a first period of time sufficient to substantially complete combustion of at least a portion the carbonaceous material at the first temperature. The second step contacts this nonacidic zeolite catalyst with a gaseous stream comprising oxygen and an inert gas at a second temperature sufficient to combust any remaining carbonaceous material for a second period of time sufficient to maintain a substantial portion of the active Group VIII metal surface area in the micropores of the nonacidic zeolite catalyst.

Abstract: The dehydrocyclization of a feed containing one or more acyclic hydrocarbons capable of undergoing ring closure to provide aromatic hydrocarbons is accomplished by contacting the feed under dehydrocyclization conditions with a zeolite L dehydrocyclization catalyst which is substantially free of zeolite T and which contains at least one Group VIII metal component, thereby converting at least a portion of the acyclic hydrocarbon content of the feed to aromatic compound(s). Use of the foregoing zeolite L dehydrocyclization catalyst has been found to result in less non-selective hydrocracking of naphtha range materials to gaseous hydrocarbons and greater conversion of low octane paraffins to high octane aromatics than that achieved with a zeolite L synthesized by a prior procedure which results in the co-production of zeolite T contaminant.

Abstract: A direct coupling reaction which goes in high yields to couple an aryl halide with a cycloalkene.

Abstract: An isobutylbenzene (IBB) is produced from an isobutenylcyclohexane (IBCH) by contacting at elevated temperature the IBCH in the presence of a molecular oxygen-containing gas with a catalyst comprising a supported transition metal in the form of the elemental metal and/or a compound thereof, for example palladium supported on alumina.

Abstract: A novel catalytic composite is disclosed. Also disclosed is a use for the novel composite and a method for preparing the same. The catalytic composite comprises a Group VIII, noble metal component, a co-formed IVA metal component, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal component and an alumina support having a surface area of from 5 to 150 m.sup.2 /g. Additionally the alumina support is such that less than about 18% of the total pore volume of the support is associated with pores having mean diameters of about 300 Angstroms or less and more than about 55% of the total pore volume of the support is associated with pores having mean diameters of about 600 Angstroms or more. The novel catalytic composite has particular utility as a paraffin dehydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process is disclosed wherein a hydrocarbon feed is contacted with a reforming catalyst in the presence of a halogen at conditions which favor dehydrocyclization, isomerization, and dehydroisomerization of the hydrocarbon feed. The degree of the isomerization and dehydroisomerization is controlled by adjusting the amount of halogen present. The amount of halogen present can be adjusted on stream by the addition of halogen-containing gas or water. The reforming catalyst comprises a large-pore zeolite, containing at least one Group VIII metal. In one embodiment, the reforming catalyst comprises: (a) a large-pore zeolite containing barium and platinum; and (b) an acidic or acidifiable inorganic binder selected from the group consisting of silica-alumina, zirconia-silica and alumina.

Abstract: Supported intermetallic compounds are produced by a two-step process. In the first step, a supported metal is formed, for example, by solvating a metallic salt such as nickel nitrate and applying it to a support medium. The treated support body is then heated in the presence of a reducing agent to produce elemental metal. The supported metal is then treated with a reactive organometallic or metal hydride compound to yield a supported intermetallic compound. For example, supported elemental nickel is treated with hexamethyldisilane to produce supported nickel silicide.

Abstract: By-product effluent streams from pyrolytic hydrocarbon cracking processes, containing monoolefins and diolefins, are treated to hydrogenate the olefins and to aromatize the aliphatics, with a catalyst essentially comprising a calcined TEA-silicate.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for dehydrogenating a parafinic or naphthenic compound and for dehydrocyclizing a paraffinic compound comprising a straight chain of at least 5 carbon atoms, comprising: contacting an aforesaid compound under dehydrogenation conditions comprising a temperature in the range of from about 465.degree. C. to about 650.degree. C. with an active carbon catalyst having a cage-like structure and a BET surface area of at least 800 square meters per gram and a bulk density of at least 0.1 gram per cubic centimeter and comprising a substantially uniform dispersion of a metal, metal-containing material, or both in a porous carbon matrix, wherein the dispersed metal and metal in the dispersed metal-containing material are each a transition metal and wherein the total concentration of dispersed metal and dispersed metal-containing material is from about 0.001 to about 30 weight percent, calculated as the elemental metal and based on the weight of the catalyst.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for selective conversion of vinylcyclohexene to ethylbenzene and hydrogen in the presence of a palladium on non-acidic zeolite catalyst.In the catalyst preparation, the catalyst is calcined first in air and then in a hydrocarbon type environment. Without the two step calcination procedure, the catalyst has a lower level of activity and selectivity.The process proceeds as an oxygen-assisted dehydrogenation reaction which yields recoverable hydrogen byproduct, rather than as an oxydehydrogenation reaction which yields water byproduct.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them at hydrocarbon dehydrogenation conditions with a multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed ruthenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component maintained in the elemental metallic state, and of a rhenium component. An optional non-acidic multimetallic catalytic composite disclosed herein is a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed ruthenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component which is maintained in the elemental metallic state during the incorporation of the ruthenium carbonyl component, a rhenium component, and an alkali or alkaline earth component.

Abstract: Vinyl cyclohexene is converted to ethylbenzene and styrene at 170.degree. C.-360.degree. C. in the presence of a hydrogen transfer catalyst typified by IrCl(CO)(Ph.sub.3 P).sub.2.

Abstract: Aniline may be prepared by reaction of nitrobenzene and vinylcyclohexene at 170.degree. C.-300.degree. C., typically 200.degree. C., in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst typified by IrCl(CO)(Ph.sub.3 P).sub.2.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at hydrocarbon dehydrogenation conditions, with a novel attenuated superactive multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component maintained in the elemental metallic state, and of a cadmium component. An example of the attenuated superactive nonacidic multimetallic catalytic composite disclosed herein is a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of an alkali or alkaline earth component, a cadmium component, and of a platinum group component which is maintained in the elemental metallic state during the incorporation of a rhenium carbonyl component.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at hydrocarbon dehydrogenation conditions, with a novel attenuated superactive multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component maintained in the elemental metallic state, and of a germanium component. An example of the attenuated superactive nonacidic multimetallic catalytic composite disclosed herein is a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of an alkali or alkaline earth component, a germanium component, and of a platinum group component which is maintained in the elemental metallic state during the incorporation of the rhenium carbonyl component.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of an alkyl benzene by dehydrogenation of the corresponding alkenyl cyclohexene in the presence of carrier borne noble metal catalyst wherein a non-acidic material is used as the catalyst carrier and the reaction is initially conducted at a lower temperature for a period of time and subsequently at a higher temperature.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at dehydrogenation conditions, with a nonacidic catalytic composite comprising a combination of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component, a cobalt component, a tantalum component, and an alkali or alkaline earth component with a porous carrier material in amounts sufficient to result in a composite containing, on an elemental basis, about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % platinum group metal, about 0.05 to about 5 wt. % cobalt, about 0.01 to about 5 wt. % tantalum, and about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for selective conversion of vinylcyclohexene to ethylbenzene in the presence of a palladium on nonacidic zeolite catalyst.In the catalyst preparation, the catalyst is calcined first in air and then in a hydrocarbon type environment. Without the two step calcination procedure, the catalyst has a lower level of activity and selectivity.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at hydrocarbon dehydrogenation conditions, with a novel nonacidic superactive multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of an alkali or alkaline earth component and of a platinum group component which is maintained in the elemental metallic state during the incorporation of the rhenium carbonyl component.

Abstract: A catalyst having a noble metal of Group 8 of the Periodic Table of Elements carried on aluminum sponge and a method for the dehydrogenation of cyclohexanes which comprises bringing cyclohexanes, in a heated state, into contact with the catalyst described above in conjunction with hydrogen.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at dehydrogenation conditions, with a nonacidic catalytic composite comprising a combination of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component, a cobalt component, a lanthanide series component and an alkali or alkaline earth component with a porous carrier material in amounts sufficient to result in a composite containing about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % platinum group metal, about 0.05 to about 5 wt. % cobalt, about 0.01 to about 5 wt. % lanthanide series metal and about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: A novel catalyst precursor which comprises a Group IV-B transition metal oxide deposited on the surface of an inorganic metal oxide support, preferably alumina; especially where the Group IV-B transition metal oxide is deposited on the support surface as discrete areas separated by areas of support surface which contain little, if any, of said Group IV-B transition metal oxide; and a catalyst composition comprised of a cluster of a Group IV-B transition metal oxide and a Group VIII metal preferably a Group VIII noble metal, deposited on an inorganic metal oxide support, particularly an alumina support, especially where the clusters are deposited on the surface of the support, as discrete clusters separated by areas of support surface which contain little, if any, of said Group VI-B transition metal oxide, or clusters of said Group IV-B and Group VIII metals.