Abstract: This invention pertains to the use of a catalyst that contains at least one dioctahedral phyllosilicate 2:1, which is preferably synthesized in a fluoride medium in the presence of HF acid and/or another source of fluoride anions, whose reticulate distance is equal to at least 20×10−10 m (2 nm) and which includes pillars that are based on at least one oxide from the elements of groups IVB, VB, VIB, VIII, IB, IIB, IIA, IVA, or any combination of these oxides, and preferably selected from the group composed of SiO2, Al2O3, TiO2, ZrO2, and V2O5, or any combination of the latter and at least one element from group VIII, in a process for isomerization of a feedstock that contains mainly normal paraffins that carry 5 to 10 carbon atoms per molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to dioctahedral phyllosilicates 2:1 whose basal spacing is at least equal to 2.0.times.10.sup.-9 m and which in the interlayer space comprise pillars based on at least one of the compounds that is selected from the group that is formed by SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, TiO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2, V.sub.2 O.sub.5, or any combination of the latter. Preferably, they contain fluorine. The invention also relates to a process for their preparation that includes treatment with a surfactant, followed by treatment with a primary or secondary amine and at least one alkoxide of an element that is selected from the group that is formed by the elements Si, Al, Zr, Ti and V. The invention also relates to a catalyst that comprises said phyllosilicate, at least one matrix, and optionally a zeolite Y. The invention also relates to a process for converting hydrocarbons with this catalyst, and in particular a hydrocracking process.