In the isomerization to more highly branched hydrocarbon product of an olefinic feed, usually with hydrogenation, as described in Specification 878,035, by contact with hydrogen and a solid acidic isomerization catalyst carrying one or more sulphides, selenides, tellurides, arsenides or antimonides of a Group VIa and/or VIII metal, cracking is reduced by treating the catalyst before and/or during the reaction with water and/or one or more compounds liberating water under the treating conditions, e.g. an alcohol. The feed may be a catalytically cracked or steam cracked gasoline or a C6-C15 propene polymer. The amount of water or its equivalent is 0.1-10% by wt. of the feed when added to the feed and conversion is effected at 200-500 DEG C. and 10-150 atm., preferably in the presence of 0.001-1%, based on feed, of added sulphur compound as described in Specification 917,091.
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