Process for isomerizing linear olefins to isoolefins

A process for structurally isomerizing a linear olefin of at least 4 carbon atoms to its corresponding methyl branched isoolefin comprising contacting at a temperature of from about 200.degree. C. to about 650.degree. C. a hydrocarbon feed stream containing at least one said linear olefin with an isomerizing catalyst produced by the process which comprises:

• (a) mixing
• (i) a zeolite powder comprising at least one zeolite with at least one one-dimensional pore structure having a pore size greater than about 0.42 nm to less than about 0.7 nm,
• (ii) an alumina-containing binder,
• (iii) water,
• (iv) from about 0.1 weight percent to about 6 weight percent, based on (i) and (ii), of at least one acid selected from the group consisting of monocarboxylic acids and inorganic acids, and
• (v) from about 0.1 weight percent to about 6 weight percent, based on (i) and (ii), of at least one polycarboxylic acid thereby producing a mixture;
• (b) forming a pellet of said mixture;
• and
• (c) calcining said pellet at a temperature of from about 200.degree. C. to about 700.degree. C.