Pt-Re-Ge/gamma Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by the catalytic reduction method using different impregnation media (H2O, HC1 and NH3) and different Ge contents (0.0, 0. 1, 0.3, 1.0 and 2.0%). The influence of these preparation parameters on the activity for n-heptane conversion and the selectivity to toluene at atmospheric pressure was assessed. The catalysts were also characterized by ICP-AES, temperature programmed reduction, pyridine temperature programmed desorption and CO pulse chemisorption. The results show that as the pH is increased the Ge content increases and the catalysts present a lower hydrogenolytic activity and a lower toluene selectivity. Ge addition modifies both metal and acid functions. The catalyst with minimum Ge content prepared using water as impregnation medium has the best performance. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.