Alumina having a pore structure characterized by the absence of macropores, no more than 5% of the total pore volume in pores greater than 350 , a high pore volume (greater than 0.8 cc/g measured by mercury intrusion) and a bi-modal pore volume distribution character, where the two modes are separated by 10 to 200 , and the primary pore mode is larger than the median pore diameter (MPD), calculated either by volume or by surface area, the MPD by volume being itself larger than the MPD by surface area. Also provided are catalysts made from and processes using such alumina.