Abstract: A process for the preparation of a catalyst is described, said catalyst comprising at least one inorganic refractory support, at least one halogen or halogenated compound at a content greater than 0.1% by weight, at least one metal from group VIII of the periodic classification (platinum, palladium, nickel and ruthenium) and at least one additional metal M selected from germanium, tin, lead, iron, titanium and chromium. The process is characterised in that said metal M is introduced in the form of at least one orqanometallic complex. The catalyst prepared in accordance with the invention may be used for dehydrogenation reactions, particularly of paraffinic hydrocarbons and olefinic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Process for the dehydrogenation of a charge incorporating saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons essentially having 3 to 5 carbon atoms per molecule, in which the charge, previously heated to the reaction temperature and without premixing with the hydrogen, is introduced at the inlet of at least one reactor, where the dehydrogenation reaction is performed in the presence of a catalyst, preferably incorporating a support having at least one oxide of an element chosen from among the groups IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB, IVA and IVB of the periodic classification of elements, at least one noble metal from the platinum family, at least one promotor metal and at least one alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.