High porosity, high surface area isomerization catalyst

A novel, high porosity, high surface area catalyst is disclosed which is useful in wax isomerization processes, especially for the production of high viscosity index, low pour point lubricating oil base stocks or blending stocks. The catalyst contains a catalytically active metal component selected from the group consisting of Group VIB and Group VIII metals, and mixtures thereof, preferably Group VIII metals, and mixtures thereof, more preferably noble Group VIII metals and mixtures thereof, most preferably platinum which catalytically active metal component is present in the range of about 0.01 to 5.0 wt %, and a fluorine content in the range of about 0.01 to about 10.0. The catalyst employs a refractory metal oxide support material, one preferably predominantly (i.e., at least 50 wt %) alumina, most preferably completely alumina, e.g., gamma or eta alumina. The finished catalyst has a porosity, expressed in terms of pore volume, of at least about 0.50 cc/gram and a surface area such that when the porosity is multiplied by the surface area the product obtained is at least about 107, preferably at least about 110, more preferably at least about 115, most preferably at least about 120.