Isoparaffin synthesis over cadmium catalysts

A process for producing isoparaffins from synthesis gas which comprises contacting the synthesis gas with a catalyst comprising a cadmium component and an acidic support component wherein the iso/normal paraffin ratio of butane in the product is greater than about five, and the iso/normal paraffin ratio of pentane in the product is greater than about eight when the catalyst is tested at reaction pressures above 20 atm, temperatures from 315.degree. to 400.degree. C., synthesis gas rates between 1400 and 2800 cc/h/g catalyst, and hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratios from 2/1 to 1/1.