Zr-containing supported catalysts (Zr/ZSM-5, Zr-Re/ZSM-5 and Zr-Ni/ZSM-5) were prepared by metal vapor method (MVM). The isomerization and cracking activity and selectivity of prepared catalysts were investigated in hydroconversion of n-C-5-C-8 alkanes. Results have shown that activity and selectivity of bimetallic catalysts toward hydroconversion of tested hydrocarbons were much higher than those over monometallic Zr/ZSM-5. The most significant difference was observed in the presence of Zr-Ni/ZSM-5 catalyst: n-pentane and n-hexane underwent isomerization. while n-heptane was converted virtually to iso-butane and propane under mild conditions. This catalyst demonstrated high internal C-C bond cleavage selectivity also in hydroconversion of n-octane. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.