Abstract: A silica-rich support and a catalyst containing the silica-rich support and a catalytic component. The support has a specific structure characterized by a set of claimed physicochemical properties: in the 29Si MAS NMR spectrum the state of silicon is characterized by the presence of lines with chemical shifts ?100±3 ppm (line Q3) and ?110±3 ppm (line Q4), with the ratio of the integral intensities of the lines Q3/Q4 of from 0.7 to 1.2 (FIG. 1); in the IR spectrum there is an absorption band of hydroxyl groups with the wave number 3620–3650 cm?1 and half-width 65–75 cm?1 (FIG. 2); the carrier has a specific surface area, as measured by the BET techniques from the thermal desorption of argon, SAR=0.5–30 m2/g and the surface, as measured by alkali titration techniques, SNa=10–250 m2/g, with SNa/SAr=5–30.

Abstract: A silica-rich support is developed, which is used for preparing catalysts and may be employed in other fields of engineering: for producing fiber optic materials, in the manufacture of filters, etc.