Hydrocarbon conversion using titanium clusters and noble metal on

Abstract

A novel catalyst precursor which comprises a Group IV-B transition metal oxide deposited on the surface of an inorganic metal oxide support, preferably alumina; especially where the Group IV-B transition metal oxide is deposited on the support surface as discrete areas separated by areas of support surface which contain little, if any, of said Group IV-B transition metal oxide; and a catalyst composition comprised of a cluster of a Group IV-B transition metal oxide and a Group VIII metal preferably a Group VIII noble metal, deposited on an inorganic metal oxide support, particularly an alumina support, especially where the clusters are deposited on the surface of the support, as discrete clusters separated by areas of support surface which contain little, if any, of said Group VI-B transition metal oxide, or clusters of said Group IV-B and Group VIII metals. The catalyst precursor is prepared by forming a nonaqueous solution of a compound, or compounds, of the Group IV-B metal, contacting and impregnating the desired support with said solution, to deposit said compound, or compounds, of the Group IV-B metal, drying and then calcining said support in a moist atmosphere to form said Group IV-B transition metal oxide upon the support surface, preferably as discrete areas upon the support surface between which there are areas of support surface which contain little, if any, of the transition metal oxide. Such supports can then be impregnated with a solution of a Group VIII noble metal, dried and then calcined to form clusters of said Group IV-B transition metal oxides and said Group VIII noble metals, particularly clusters of such type which are separated by areas devoid of such clusters.