Abstract: Isomerization of normal paraffin hydrocarbons with 5 to 7 carbon atoms per molecule to isoparaffins of high octane number is effected in the presence of at least one compound of the group isobutane and isopentane and a catalyst consisting essentially of graphite having intercalated in the lattice thereof between about 5 and about 55 weight percent of aluminum chloride.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon conversion is effected in the presence of a catalyst consisting essentially of graphite having intercalated in the lattice thereof between about 5 and about 75 weight percent of a Lewis acid. The catalyst may additionally have intercalated therein a minor proportion of a Bronsted acid and/or a Group VI-B or Group VIII metal. The catalyst of graphite having the specified components intercalated in its structure is shown to be much more effective in hydrocarbon conversion, e.g. isomerization, than catalysts having said components deposited on the surface of the graphite.