A process for the synthesis of catalysts by pre-forming a porous refractory inorganic oxide support, or carrier from a coarse particulate solid, preferably an alumina extrudate, contacting said preformed support with an acid solution, and then treating, contacting and neutralizing said preformed acid treated support with a base prior to the impregnation of said neutralized support with a metal, or metals, hydrogenation-dehyrdogenation component. The preformed solid support ranges at least about 1/32 inch diameter, and preferably at least about 1/16 inch diameter, and larger.