Abstract: The isomerization catalyst is a solid acid catalyst formed with a base of tungstated zirconium mixed oxides loaded with at least one hydrogenation/dehydrogenation metal catalyst from Groups 8-10 (IUPAC, 2006) and impregnated with at least one alkali metal from Group 1 (IUPAC, 2006). The metal from Groups 8-10 is preferably selected from platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, osmium and mixtures thereof, and most preferably is platinum. The Group I alkali metal is selected from lithium, sodium, potassium rubidium and cesium and mixtures thereof, and is preferably lithium, sodium, or potassium. Preferable, the catalyst forms, by weight, a base having between about 80-90% zirconium mixed oxides and between about 10-20% tungstate; between about 0.1-3.00% Group 8-10 metal; and between about 0.01-1.00% Group 1 alkali metal.

Abstract: The isomerization catalyst is a solid acid catalyst formed with a base of tungstated zirconium mixed oxides loaded with at least one hydrogenation/dehydrogenation metal catalyst from Groups 8-10 (IUPAC, 2006) and impregnated with at least one alkali metal from Group 1 (IUPAC, 2006). The metal from Groups 8-10 is preferably selected from platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, osmium and mixtures thereof, and most preferably is platinum. The Group I alkali metal is selected from lithium, sodium, potassium rubidium and cesium and mixtures thereof, and is preferably lithium, sodium, or potassium. Preferable, the catalyst forms, by weight, a base having between about 80-90% zirconium mixed oxides and between about 10-20% tungstate; between about 0.1-3.00% Group 8-10 metal; and between about 0.01-1.00% Group 1 alkali metal.