Abstract: Process for the preparation of a catalyst comprising the steps of: (a) combining solid acid particles with a binder to form a catalyst precursor; (b) calcining the catalyst precursor at a temperature in the range of about 400 to about 575° C.; (c) impregnating the calcined catalyst precursor with a solution of a Group VIII noble metal and Nh4+ ions, and (d) calcining the impregnated particles at a catalyst temperature in the range of about 400 to about 575° C. The use of two calcination steps in the above temperature ranges results in alkylation catalysts with improved performance.

Abstract: A catalyst system for treating a hydrocarbonaceous feed comprising a matrix selected from the group consisting of alumna, silica alumina, titanium alumina and mixtures thereof; a support medium substantially uniformly distributed through said matrix comprising a SAPO-11 molecular sieve; and 0.1 to 1.0 wt % (based on the total weight of the catalyst system) of a catalytically active metal phase supported on said medium and comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium or mixtures thereof. The catalyst system is characterized in that said SAPO-11 molecular sieve has: a) a silica to alumina molar ratio of 0.08 to 0.24; b) a phosphorous to alumina ratio of 0.75 to 0.83; c) a surface area of at least 150 m2/g; d) a crystallite size in the range 250 to 600 angstroms; and, e) a sodium content of less than 2000 ppm weight.

Abstract: A process for the production of a ketone having a carbon number between about 20 and about 40 comprising contacting fatty acids containing from about 10 to about 21 carbons atoms with a hydrotalcite catalyst under conditions effective to decarboxylate said acids. More particularly said decarboxylation conditions comprise: a temperature in the range between about 300° C. and about 400° C.; a pressure in the range between about 0.01 and about 5 bar; and a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of from about 0.1 to about 10 hr?1.