Abstract: This invention relates to a process in which a linear olefin is converted under isomerizing conditions to its corresponding methyl branched isoolefin by contact at a temperature of from 200.degree. C. to 650.degree. C. with an isomerizing catalyst comprising (i) at least one zeolite having only in one dimension a pore structure having a pore size small enough to retard by-product dimerization and coke formation and large enough to permit entry of the linear olefin and allow formation of the methyl branched isoolefin, (ii) an alumina binder and (iii) up to about 15% by weight of coke oxidation-promoting metal. After a period of operation, when sufficient coke has deposited on the catalyst in an amount to significantly reduce the activity of the catalyst, the catalyst is stripped of hydrocarbon and then contacted at elevated temperature with an oxygen-containing gas for a sufficient time to burn off the coke, i.e., to regenerate the catalyst at a temperature of less than about 565.degree. C.

Abstract: An active and stable catalyst for isomerizing linear olefins to methyl branched isoolefins is provided by (a) mixing (i) a zeolite powder containing at least one zeolite with at least one one-dimensional pore structure having pore size small enough to retard by-product dimerization and coke formation and large enough to permit entry of the linear olefin and allow formation of the methyl branched isoolefin, (ii) an alumina-containing binder, (iii) water, (iv) at least one acid selected from monocarboxylic acids and inorganic acids and (v) at least one polycarboxylic acid; (b) forming a pellet of the mixture; and (c) calcining the pellet. The resulting catalyst has superior selectivity, higher maximum product concentration in the product stream and longer run length for isomerizing linear olefins to their corresponding isoolefins.