HIGH ACTIVITY HYDRODESULFURIZATION CATALYST, A METHOD OF MAKING A HIGH ACTIVITY HYDRODESULFURIZATION CATALYST, AND A PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING AN ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DISTILLATE PRODUCT

A method of making a high activity catalyst composition suitable for use in the hydrodesulfurization of a middle distillate feed, such as diesel fuel, having a high concentration of sulfur, to thereby provide a low sulfur middle distillate product. The method comprises heat treating aluminum hydroxide under controlled temperature conditions thereby converting the aluminum hydroxide to gamma-alumina to give a converted aluminum hydroxide, and controlling the fraction of converted aluminum hydroxide that is gamma-alumina. A catalytic component is incorporated into the converted aluminum hydroxide to provide an intermediate, which is heat treated to provide the high activity catalyst composition. The high activity catalyst composition can suitably be used in the hydrodesulfurization of a middle distillate feed containing a high sulfur concentration.