A catalyst and process is disclosed to selectively upgrade a paraffinic feedstock
to obtain an isoparaffin-rich product for blending into gasoline. The catalyst
comprises a support of a sulfated oxide or hydroxide of a Group IVB (IUPAC 4) metal,
a first component of at least one lanthanide element or yttrium component, which
is preferably ytterbium, and at least one platinum-group metal component which
is preferably platinum and a refractory-oxide binder having at least one platinum-group
metal component dispersed thereon.