Cycloalkane isomerization process

A process for isomerizing cycloalkanes which comprises contacting, at a reaction temperature of about 0.degree.-100.degree. C., at least one cycloalkane containing 5-10 carbon atoms per molecule with a solid catalyst composition at effective isomerization conditions,

• wherein said catalyst composition has been prepared by a method comprising the steps of (I) heating in the substantial absence of water, at a temperature of about 40.degree.-90.degree. C., a mixture comprising (a) aluminum chloride, (b) at least one solid boron-containing material selected from the group consisting of boron phosphate on silica, boron phosphate on activated carbon and boron sulfate on silica, and (c) at least one chlorinated hydrocarbon having a normal boiling point of about 40.degree.-90.degree. C., wherein the weight ratio of aluminum chloride to said at least one solid boron-containing material is at least about 0.25:1;
• and (II) separating the solid material contained in the reaction mixture obtained in step (I) from said at least one chlorinated hydrocarbon under a dry gas atmosphere.