Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons may be subjected to a dehydrogenation reaction in which the hydrocarbons are treated with a dehydrogenation catalyst such as a modified iron compound in the presence of steam in a multi-catalyst bed system. The reaction mixture containing unconverted hydrocarbon, dehydrogenated hydrocarbon, hydrogen and steam is then contacted with a selective oxidation catalyst such as a noble metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table, a metal of Group IVA of the Periodic Table and, if so desired, a metal of Group IA or IIA of the Periodic Table composited on a highly porous inorganic support. The oxidation catalyst will selectively oxidize the hydrogen to improve the combustion thereof and supply the necessary heat required for a subsequent dehydrogenation treatment.

Abstract: A process to convert an alkane, such as n-butane, to dehydrogenated and isomerized products comprises contacting such alkane under conversion conditions with an AMS-1B crystalline borosilicate catalyst composition containing an ion or molecule of a catalytically active element, such as a noble metal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new catalyst for converting hydrocarbons. The catalyst comprises a platinum group component, a Group IVA component, especially tin, an alkali or alkaline earth component, more than 0.2 weight %, calculated on an elemental basis, of a halogen component and a porous carrier material, wherein the atomic ratio of the alkali or alkaline earth component to the platinum group component is more than 10. The catalyst is particularly useful for dehydrogenating paraffins having from 2 to 5 or more carbon atoms to the corresponding mono-olefins, or for dehydrogenating mono-olefins having from 3 to 5 or more carbon atoms to the corresponding di-olefins.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them at hydrocarbon dehydrogenation conditions with a multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed ruthenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component maintained in the elemental metallic state, and of a rhenium component. An optional non-acidic multimetallic catalytic composite disclosed herein is a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed ruthenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component which is maintained in the elemental metallic state during the incorporation of the ruthenium carbonyl component, a rhenium component, and an alkali or alkaline earth component.

Abstract: The invention herein is directed toward a process for the oxydehydrogenation of ethane in fixed-bed or fluid-bed reactors at temperatures of less than about 600.degree. C. The process includes the step of contacting ethane and an oxygen-containing gas with a catalyst composition having the formula V.sub.1.0 P.sub.a O.sub.x. The catalyst can be employed in supported or unsupported form. A promoter metal can optionally be present in the catalyst.

Abstract: Isobutane may be dehydrogenated to isobutylene with increased selectivity by passing isobutane together with hydrogen and ammonia at 700.degree. F.-1200.degree. F. in the presence of a supported catalyst containing Group IA metals (Li, K) plus Pt-Re, Pt-Ge, or Pt-Re-Ge.

Abstract: A multiple reaction zone process for dehydrogenating light hydrocarbons, preferably propane, is disclosed. The feed stream and intermediate streams are first heated by indirect heat exchange to temperatures slightly below the desired inlet temperature of the dehydrogenation catalyst beds. These streams are then transported to a location which is in close proximity of the dehydrogenation catalyst bed and further heated by the selective combustion of hydrogen present in these streams through the use of beds of oxidation catalyst. This eliminates lengthy high temperature reactant residence times in transfer lines extending between fired heaters and the dehydrogenation catalyst beds, thereby reducing thermal cracking of the feed and increasing the selectivity of the process. The process has special utility with stacked moving bed reactors, which have larger volume reactant transfer lines.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at dehydrogenation conditions, with a catalytic composite comprising a combination of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component, a nickel component, and a zinc component with a porous carrier material. A specific example of the nonacidic catalytic composite disclosed herein is a combination of a platinum group component, a nickel component, a zinc component, and an alkali or alkaline earth component with a porous carrier material in amounts sufficient to result in a composite containing about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % platinum group metal, about 0.05 to about 5 wt. % nickel, about 0.01 to about 5 wt. % zinc, and about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at hydrocarbon dehydrogenation conditions, with a novel attenuated superactive multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component maintained in the elemental metallic state, and of an iron component. An example of the attenuated superactive nonacidic multimetallic catalytic composite disclosed herein is a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of an alkali or alkaline earth component, an iron component, and of a platinum group component which is maintained in the elemental metallic state during the incorporation of the rhenium carbonyl component.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at hydrocarbon dehydrogenation conditions, with a novel attenuated superactive multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of a catalytically effective amount of a platinum group component maintained in the elemental metallic state, and of a silver component. An example of the attenuated superactive nonacidic multimetallic catalytic composite disclosed herein is a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of a silver component, an alkali or alkaline earth component and a platinum group component which is maintained in the elemental metallic state during the incorporation of the rhenium carbonyl component.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them at dehydrogenation conditions in the presence of a complex oxide catalyst comprising molybdenum, copper and tin and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Ce, Th and U. For example, an alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon, e.g. ethylbenzene, can be dehydrogenated to an alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon, e.g. styrene, in the presence of an oxide complex catalyst comprising molybdenum, copper, tin and at least one element selected from the group consisting of K, Cs, Ba, Mg and Ca.

Abstract: A process is described for producing methyl tert.-butyl ether from butane-containing light hydrocarbon mixtures. The n-butane is isomerized to isobutane which is dehydrogenated to an isobutene/isobutane molar ratio of 0.4 to 2:1, the isobutene in the mixture is etherified with methanol to form methyl tert.-butyl ether and the residual isobutane is recycled for dehydrogenation. After the isomerization step, the n-butane and isobutane can be separated and the n-butane recycled. The product containing methyl tert.-butyl ether can be used as a gasoline additive.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at hydrocarbon dehydrogenation conditions, with a novel attenuated superactive multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component maintained in the elemental metallic state, and of a cadmium component. An example of the attenuated superactive nonacidic multimetallic catalytic composite disclosed herein is a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of an alkali or alkaline earth component, a cadmium component, and of a platinum group component which is maintained in the elemental metallic state during the incorporation of a rhenium carbonyl component.

Abstract: A palladium or palladium alloy hydrogen diffusion membrane which has been treated with silane and/or silicon tetrafluoride is employed to separate hydrogen from a hydrocarbon with which it is in admixture and from which it may have been produced under dehydrogenation conditions in the presence of said membrane.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at hydrocarbon dehydrogenation conditions, with a novel attenuated superactive multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component maintained in the elemental metallic state, and of a germanium component. An example of the attenuated superactive nonacidic multimetallic catalytic composite disclosed herein is a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of an alkali or alkaline earth component, a germanium component, and of a platinum group component which is maintained in the elemental metallic state during the incorporation of the rhenium carbonyl component.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at dehydrogenation conditions, with a nonacidic catalytic composite comprising a combination of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component, a cobalt component, a tantalum component, and an alkali or alkaline earth component with a porous carrier material in amounts sufficient to result in a composite containing, on an elemental basis, about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % platinum group metal, about 0.05 to about 5 wt. % cobalt, about 0.01 to about 5 wt. % tantalum, and about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at hydrocarbon dehydrogenation conditions, with a novel nonacidic superactive multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of an alkali or alkaline earth component and of a platinum group component which is maintained in the elemental metallic state during the incorporation of the rhenium carbonyl component.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are converted by contacting them at hydrocarbon conversion conditions with a novel attenuated superactive multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonylcomponent with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of a catalytically effective amount of a platinum group component, which is maintained in the elemental metallic state during the incorporation and pyrolysis of the rhenium carbonyl component, and of a tin component. In a highly preferred embodiment, this novel catalytic composite also contains a catalytically effective amount of a halogen component. The platinum group component, pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component, tin component and optional halogen component are preferably present in the multimetallic catalytic composite in amounts, calculated on an elemental basis, corresponding to about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % platinum group metal, about 0.01 to about 5 wt. % rhenium, about 0.005 to about 5 wt.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at dehydrogenation conditions, with a nonacidic catalytic composite comprising a combination of catalytically effective amounts of platinum group component, a cobalt component, a cadmium component, and an alkali or alkaline earth component with a porous carrier material in amounts sufficient to result in a composite containing, on an elemental basis, about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % platinum group metal, about 0.05 to about 5 wt. % cobalt, about 0.01 to about 5 wt. % cadmium and about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: A continuous process for dehydrogenating hydrocarbons comprising repetitively carrying out dehydrogenation using a steam active dehydrogenation catalyst and regenerating of said catalyst with steam and oxygen-containing gas wherein the flow rate of steam is maintained constant during both the dehydrogenation and the regeneration and wherein the catalyst is purged with steam prior to each dehydrogenation and each regeneration.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at dehydrogenation conditions, with a catalytic composite comprising a combination of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component, a cobalt component, and a uranium component with a porous carrier material. A specific example of the nonacidic catalytic composite disclosed herein is a combination of a platinum group component, a cobalt component, a uranium component, and an alkali or alkaline earth component with a porous carrier material in amounts sufficient to result in a composite containing about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % platinum group metal, about 0.05 to about 5 wt. % cobalt, about 0.1 to about 10 wt. % uranium and about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: Hydrogenation-dehydrogenation of suitable feedstock is provided wherein such feedstock is subjected to hydrogenation-dehydrogenation conditions in the presence of a catalytic amount of a solid containing, at least in part, a synthetic amorphous solid prepared by hydrolyzing and polymerizing in the presence of water a silane having the formula R(Si)X.sub.3, wherein R is a nonhydrolyzable organic group, X is a hydrolyzable group and (Si) is selected from the group consisting of ##STR1## and calcining the polymerized product, said silane being admixed with a second component, R'.sub.n MY.sub.m, wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of the same groups as R, Y is selected from the group consisting of the same groups as X and oxygen, M is at least one member selected from the group consisting of the elements of Groups IIIA, IVA, VA, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB and VIII of the Periodic Table, m is any number greater than 0 and up to 8 and n is from 0 to any number less than 8.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at dehydrogenation conditions, with a catalytic composite comprising a combination of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component, a cobalt component, and a zinc component with a porous carrier material. A specific example of the nonacidic catalytic composite disclosed herein is a combination of a platinum group component, a cobalt component, a zinc component, and an alkali or alkaline earth component with a porous carrier material in amounts sufficient to result in a composite containing about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % platinum group metal, about 0.05 to about 5 wt. % cobalt, about 0.01 to about 5 wt. % zinc and about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at hydrocarbon dehydrogenation conditions, with a novel superactive multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of a catalytically effective amount of a platinum group component maintained in the elemental metallic state. An example of the superactive nonacidic multimetallic catalytic composite disclosed herein is a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of an alkali or alkaline earth component and of a platinum group component which is maintained in the elemental metallic state during the incorporation of the rhenium carbonyl component.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at dehydrogenation conditions, with a catalytic composite comprising a combination of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component, a cobalt component, and a cadmium component with a porous carrier material. A specific example of the nonacidic catalytic composite disclosed herein is a combination of a platinum group component, a cobalt component, a cadmium component, and an alkali or alkaline earth component with a porous carrier material in amounts sufficient to result in a composite containing about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % platinum group metal, about 0.05 to about 5 wt. % cobalt, about 0.01 to about 5 wt. % cadmium and about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are converted by contacting them at hydrocarbon conversion conditions with a novel sulfided and attenuated superactive multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a sulfided combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component, which is maintained in the elemental metallic state during the incorporation of the rhenium carbonyl component, and of a zinc component. A specific example of the type of hydrocarbon conversion process disclosed herein is a process for the catalytic reforming of a low octane gasoline fraction wherein the gasoline fraction and a hydrogen stream are contacted with the subject sulfided and attenuated superactive multimetallic catalytic composite at reforming conditions.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are converted by contacting them at hydrocarbon conversion conditions with a novel attenuated superactive multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of a catalytically effective amount of a platinum group component, which is maintained in the elemental metallic state, and of a silver component. In a highly preferred embodiment, this novel catalytic composite also contains a catalytically effective amount of a halogen component. A specific example of the type of hydrocarbon conversion process disclosed herein is a process for the catalytic reforming of a low octane gasoline fraction wherein the gasoline fraction and a hydrogen stream are contacted with this attenuated superactive multimetallic catalytic composite at reforming conditions.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing high octane hydrocarbons from a feed comprising paraffins having 5 to 9 carbon atoms which involves contacting the feed with steam and hydrogen in the presence of a steam active dehydrogenation catalyst wherein the amounts of steam and hydrogen employed relative to the feed are such that one obtains unexpectedly high conversion and unexpectedly high selectivity to high octane product.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are converted by contacting them at hydrocarbon conversion conditions with a novel attenuated superactive multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of a catalytically effective amount of a platinum group component, which is maintained in the elemental metallic state during the incorporation of the rhenium carbonyl component, and of a zirconium component. In a highly preferred embodiment, this novel catalytic composite also contains a catalytically effective amount of a halogen component. The platinum group component, pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component, zirconium component and optional halogen component are preferably present in the multimetallic catalytic composite in amounts, calculated on an elemental basis, corresponding to about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % platinum group metal, about 0.01 to about 5 wt. % rhenium, about 0.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at dehydrogenation conditions, with a nonacidic catalytic composite comprising a combination of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component, a rhenium component, a cobalt component, a germanium component, and an alkali or alkaline earth component with a porous carrier material in amounts sufficient to result in a composite containing about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % platinum group metal, about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % rhenium, about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % cobalt, about 0.001 to about 1 wt. % germanium and about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable organic compounds diluted with steam, are dehydrogenated in the absence of free oxygen at high conversion and selectivity to less saturated compounds with a catalyst composite consisting essentially of one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Ni, Pd, Pt, Ir and Os, tin and a metal selected from the group consisting of gold and silver deposited on a support such as alumina, silica or a Group II aluminate spinel.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon conversion processes wherein hydrocarbon feedstreams are contacted with heteronuclear noble metal catalysts are improved by the use of supported heteronuclear noble metal cluster catalysts prepared from novel supported heteronuclear noble metal cluster complexes. The heteronuclear noble metal cluster complexes used as catalyst precursors are selected from the group consisting of(pyridine).sub.2 Pt[Ir.sub.6 (CO).sub.15 ],(pyridine).sub.2 Pt[Ir.sub.2 (CO).sub.7 ],((C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.3 P).sub.2 Pt[IR(CO).sub.3 P(C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.3 ].sub.2,(pyridine).sub.2 Pt[Ru.sub.3 (CO).sub.12 ]((C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.3 P).sub.2 Rh(CO)[Ir(CO).sub.4 ],(pyridine).sub.2 Pt[Rh(CO).sub.2 (P(C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.3).sub.2 ].sub.2.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are converted by contacting them at hydrocarbon conversion conditions with an acidic multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum or palladium component, an iridium component, a cobalt component, a Group IVA metallic component and a halogen component with a porous carrier material. The platinum or palladium iridium, cobalt, Group IVA metallic and halogen components are present in the multimetallic catalyst in amounts, respectively, calculated on an elemental basis, corresponding to about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % platinum or palladium, about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % iridium, about 0.05 to about 5 wt. % cobalt, about 0.01 to about 5 wt. % Group IVA metal and about 0.1 to about 3.5 wt. % halogen.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are converted by contacting them at hydrocarbon conversion conditions with an acidic multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component, a nickel component, a uranium component, and a halogen component with a porous carrier material. The platinum group, uranium, nickel, and halogen components are present in the multimetallic catalyst in amounts respectively, calculated on an elemental basis, corresponding to about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % platinum group metal, about 0.1 to about 10 wt. % uranium, about 0.05 to about 5 wt. % nickel, and about 0.1 to about 3.5 wt. % halogen.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of a dehydrogenatable hydrocarbon is disclosed. The hydrocarbon is passed in contact with a germanium-promoted platinum group metal catalyst at dehydrogenation reaction conditions, said catalyst having been prepared by impregnating a porous high surface area carrier material with a non-aqueous solution of a platinum group metal and a halo-substituted germane containing less than about 4 halo substituents, and drying, calcining and reducing the impregnated carrier material.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are converted by contacting them at hydrocarbon conversion conditions with a novel attenuated superactive multimetallic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a catalytically effective amount of a pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component with a porous carrier material containing a uniform dispersion of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component, which is maintained in the elemental metallic state, and of an indium component. In a highly preferred embodiment, this novel catalytic composite also contains a catalytically effective amount of a halogen component. The platinum group component, pyrolyzed rhenium carbonyl component, indium component and optional halogen component are preferably present in the multimetallic catalytic composite in amounts, calculated on an elemental basis, corresponding to about 0.01 to about 2 wt.% platinum group metal, about 0.01 to about 5 wt.% rhenium, about 0.01 to about 5% indium and about 0.1 to about 3.5 wt.% halogen.

Abstract: Hydrogenation-dehydrogenation of suitable feedstock is provided wherein such feedstock is subjected to hydrogenation-dehydrogenation conditions in the presence of a catalytic amount of a solid containing, at least in part, a synthetic amorphous solid prepared by hydrolyzing and polymerizing in the presence of water a silane having the formula R(Si)X.sub.3, wherein R is a nonhydrolyzable organic group, X is a hydrolyzable group and (Si) is selected from the group consisting of ##STR1## and calcining the polymerized product, said silane being admixed with a second compound, R'.sub.n MY.sub.m, wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of the same groups as R, Y is selected from the group consisting of the same groups as X and oxygen, M is at least one member selected from the group consisting of the elements of Groups IIIA, IVA, VA, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB and VIII of the Periodic Table, m is any number greater than 0 and up to 8 and n is from 0 to any number less than 8.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them, at dehydrogenation conditions including a hydrogen-rich and substantially water-free environment, with a catalytic composite comprising a combination of catalytically effective amounts of a platinum group component, a Group IVA metallic component, and a lanthanide series component with a porous carrier material. A specific example of the catalyst used in the disclosed hydrocarbon dehydrogenation method in a nonacidic catalytic composite comprising a combination of a platinum group component, a Group IVA metallic component, a lanthanide series component, and an alkali or alkaline earth component with a porous carrier material in amounts sufficient to result in a composite containing about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % platinum group metal, about 0.01 to about 5 wt. % Group IVA metal, about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, and having an atomic ratio of lanthanide series metal to platinum group metal of about 0.1:1 to 1.25:1.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable organic compounds, diluted with steam, are dehydrogenated in the absence of free oxygen at high conversion and selectivity to less saturated compounds with a catalyst composite consisting essentially of one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Ni, Pd, Pt, Ir and Os in association with tin and a metal selected from the group consisting of cesium, rubidium, thalium and cerium deposited on a support such as alumina, silica or a Group II aluminate spinel.

Abstract: A feedstock comprising olefinic hydrocarbons having more than one double bond per molecule is selectively hydrogenated to produce hydrocarbons having less unsaturation relative to the feedstock by contacting the feedstock in the presence of steam and hydrogen with a catalyst comprising a Group VIII metal or an oxide thereof on a carrier comprising a Group II metal aluminate spinel containing tin or an oxide of tin. The feedstock can be produced by reforming paraffin and cycloparaffin hydrocarbons in the presence of steam with a catalyst comprising a Group VIII metal or an oxide thereof on a carrier comprising a Group II metal aluminate spinel containing tin or an oxide of tin.