Abstract:
A catalytic system for the production of synthesis gas by reacting light hydrocarbons, preferably methane, with CO.sub.2 is described formed from:one or more compounds of metals of the platinum group, preferably chosen from rhodium, ruthenium and iridium;a support consisting of inorganic compounds chosen from oxides and/or spinels of aluminium, magnesium, zirconium, silicon, cerium and/or lanthanum, possibly in the presence of alkali metals,in which the weight percentage of the metal or metals of the platinum group in the catalytic system is between 0.01 and 20%, and preferably between 0.1 and 5%.