The n-heptane isomerization reaction over tungstated zirconia as a catalyst was studied.

The conversion of n-heptane increases with increasing temperature in all quantities of catalyst employed.

The mass of catalyst has less influence at higher temperatures due to the approach to equilibrium of the reaction.

The selectivity towards bi-branched isomers with higher octane decreases with increasing temperature, since it is a reaction limited by the equilibrium.

The catalyst synthesized by refluxing decreases the cracking activity improving the selectivity toward higher octane isomers.