A process to produce a sorbent composition is provided. This process comprises: (a) contacting a zinc component, an alumina component, and a dispersant component, to form a mixture; and then (b) spray drying said mixture to form particles; and then (c) contacting said particles with a zinc compound, wherein said zinc compound is zinc oxide, or it is a compound convertible to zinc oxide, to form a sorbent composition. A process to produce a particulate composition that comprises zinc aluminate is provided. This comprises: (a) contacting a zinc component, an alumina component, and a dispersant component, to form a mixture; and then (b) spray drying said mixture to form said particulate composition.