Mesoporous Y hydrocracking catalyst and associated hydrocracking processes

A method of making a hydrocracking catalyst, comprising the steps of:

• a) making a zeolite from a zeolite precursor;
• b) combining a binder precursor selected from a silica, an alumina, or a combination thereof, with a zeolite to form a catalyst mixture;
• c) drying the catalyst mixture to form a catalyst precursor;
• and
• d) adding at least one active metal to the catalyst precursor to form the hydrocracking catalyst;
• wherein the zeolite is a Y zeolite with a Large Mesopore Volume of at least about 0.03 cm3/g and a Small Mesopore Peak of less than about 0.15 cm3/g.

A hydrocracking process for selectively catalytically cracking a hydrocarbon feedstock to form a distillate product, comprising:

• a) contacting the hydrocarbon feedstock, in the presence of hydrogen, with a hydrocracking catalyst comprised of a Y zeolite with a Large Mesopore Volume of at least about 0.03 cm3/g and a Small Mesopore Peak of less than about 0.15 cm3/g;
• an inorganic matrix;
• and at least one active metal selected from Group 6 and Group 8/9/10 metals under hydrocracking conditions;
• and
• b) producing at least one distillate product stream boiling in the range of about 400 to 700° F. which has a lower average molecular weight than the hydrocarbon feedstock;
• wherein the zeolite has a Large Mesopore Volume of at least about 0.03 cm3/g, and a Small Mesopore Peak of less than about 0.15 cm3/g.