Abstract: X-ray amorphous carbon is formed by evaporating carbonic material. The evaporation of carbonic material is conducted in a helium atmosphere at a supply energy flow in the range of from 50 to 300 Wt/mm2. The energy is generated, for example, by means of an electric arc. The X-ray amorphous carbon has a starting temperature of an air oxidation, Tso, ?320° C.; a temperature of maximal rate of an air oxidation, Tomr, ?590° C.; a temperature of end of an air oxidation, Teo, ?630° C.; an initial rate of non-catalytic hydrogenolysis by molecular hydrogen at 700° C., Vhin, ?2.08% mass of carbon/h. Upon contact in a solution, 1 g of X-ray amorphous carbon consumes an amount equal to or greater than 16 mmole of MnO4? ions. Catalysts based on the X-ray amorphous carbon are used in hydrocarbon dehydrogenation and dehydrocyclization reactions.