Preparation of catalysts and to an isomerisation process in which said catalysts areemployed

Isomerization reactions are effected in the presence of catalysts made by contacting a halogenatable refractory oxide selected from Group III to V of the Periodic Table with an alkali or alkaline earth metal compound such that the metal compound is retained by the oxide and thereafter contacting the oxide with a chlorine containing compound. Examples describe the isomerization of 4-methyl pentene-1 to 2-methyl pentene-1 and 2-methyl pentene-2. Specifications 953,187 and 981,694 are referred to.ALSO:Hydrocarbon conversion catalysts are made by contacting a halogenatable refractory oxide selected from Group III to V of the Periodic Table with an alkali, or alkaline earth metal compound such that the metal compound is retained by the oxide and thereafter contacting the oxide with a chlorine-containing compound. Prior to treatment with a chlorine-containing compound, a minor proportion of a metal or metal compound from Group VIA or VIII may be incorporated in the catalyst. Specified refractory oxides are Al2O3, B2O3, SiO2, TiO2 and ZrO2. Preferred metal compounds are those of Na and K, particularly carbonates, bicarbonates, formates, acetates and oxalates. Preferred Group VIII metals are Pt and Pd. The preferred chlorinating agent is of formula CCl2XY where X and Y are the same or different and may be selected from H, Cl, Br, F, SCl or where X and Y together may be O or S. Examples of chlorinating agents are CCl4, CHCl3, CH2Cl2, CCl2F2, CCl3Br, CCl3SCl, COCl2 and CSCl2. Examples are given in which the surface area of catalysts is disclosed. Specifications 953,187 and 981,694 are referred to.