Ni catalysts supported on MgO-Al2O3 (MgO = 70 wt.%) were prepared at various calcination temperatures for decarboxylation of oleic acid. According to TPR patterns of Ni/MgO-Al2O3 catalysts, the reduction degree increases with decreasing the calcination temperature from 500 to 300 degrees C. Ni/MgO-Al2O3 catalyst calcined at 300 degrees C exhibited the highest oleic acid conversion as well as high selectivity to C-17 compounds at the reaction temperature of 300 degrees C. This is due to free NiO species, which have relatively weak interaction with the support. (C) 2010 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.