PREPARATION OF CATALYSTS OF PREDETERMINED PORE SIZE DISTRIBUTION AND PORE VOLUME

An improved process for the production of catalysts comprised of a metal hydrogenation component, or components, composited with high pore volume alumina, with pores of narrow pore size distribution, wherein macropore volume is drastically reduced by improved extrusion techniques. An alumina hydrogel paste is extruded through a die to form spaghetti-like extrudate shapes by application of sufficient torque, suitably form about 25 to about 55 inch-pounds, preferably from about 40 to about 50 inch-pounds, to eliminate much of the macropore volume, i.e., pores greater than 400.ANG., which greatly improves the activity maintenance of the catalyst. The extrudates can, if desired, be shapedinto other forms, suitably spheres. The process of the present invention em-bodies a technique for increasing the intrinsic activity of these and other catalysts by special impregnation and rying techniques which provides better dispersion of the metal hydrogenation component, or components, throughout the catalyst.