Abstract: Granules based on pyrogenically prepared silicon dioxide with the following physico-chemical characteristic data: Average particle diameter: ???10 to 120 ?m BET surface area: ???40 to 400 m2/g Pore volume: ??0.5 to 2.5 ml/g Pore distribution: content of pores of pore diameter <5 nm in the total pore volume of less than 5%, remainder meso- and macropores Tamped density: ?220 to 1,000 g/l Numerical content of particles in the <35% particle size range above the D10 value of the particle size distribution weighted according to volume which have tucks or closed off inner hollow spaces: They are prepared by a procedure in which silicon dioxide is dispersed in a liquid, preferably water, together with one or more auxiliaries, the dispersion is spray dried and the granules are optionally heat-treated and/or silanized. The granules are employed as a catalyst support.