Skeletal reactions of hydrocarbons on Pt/WOx–(MoOx–ZrO2 superacid catalysts

1%Pt/WO3–(MoO3–ZrO2 superacid catalysts (dapp of Pt ~16–20 Å) gave activity in hydrocarbon isomerization reactions which was much enhanced relative to more customary forms of supported platinum. This is ascribed to dual-functional action. Isomerization selectivity was particularly high for Pt/WOx–ZrO2. The dideuterium/cyclopentane exchange “chemical probe” reaction on identical catalysts (reduction temperature 548 K (10 h)) revealed the action of electron-deficient platinum sites. While there is no clear evidence from hydrocarbon hydrogenolysis activities for such sites, comparison with published literature suggests that the exposure of electron-deficient sites may now be sensitive to the choice of precursor compound used in catalyst preparation.