Hydroconversion processes employing multi-metallic catalysts and method for making thereof

A process for forming an unsupported catalyst precursor composition having a formula Av[(MP)(OH)x(L)ny]z(MVIBO4) the process comprising:

• forming a first reaction mixture having a pH from about 1 to about 6, the first reaction mixture comprising:
• at least a metal compound selected from Group VIII, Group IIB, Group IIA, Group IVA
• and combinations thereof,
• at least a Group VIB metal compound,
• at least one organic oxygen-containing ligand,
• at least a silicon component, at least an aluminum component, and at least a magnesium component;
• adding a basic alkali component to form a second reaction mixture having a pH between 7 to 12;
• reacting the second reaction mixture for a time sufficient forming a precipitate or cogel;
• performing a solid-liquid separation to collect the unsupported catalyst precursor;
• and
• drying the unsupported catalyst precursor at a temperature of less than 200° C. forming the catalyst precursor having the formula Av[(MP)(OH)x(L)ny]z(MVIBO4), which catalyst precursor has an X-ray diffraction pattern that is amorphous with broad peaks or an X-ray diffraction pattern with at least a crystalline peak at Bragg angle between 52.7° to 53.2° theta;
• wherein
• A is at least one of an alkali metal cation, an ammonium, an organic ammonium and a phosphonium cation,
• MP is selected from Group VIII, Group IIB, Group IIA, Group IVA and combinations thereof, P is oxidation state with MP having an oxidation state of either +2 or +4 depending on the selection of MP,
• L is at least one organic oxygen-containing ligand,
• MVIB is at least a Group VIB metal, having an oxidation state of +6,
• MP:MVIB has an atomic ratio of 100:1 to 1:100,
• v−2+P*z−x*z+n*y*z=0;
• and
• 0<y≦−P/n;
• 0<x≦P;
• 0<v≦2;
• 0<z.