Bifunctional catalysts of Pt/WOx-ZrO2 (PWZ) type with 1 wt% of Pt and 10, 15 and 20 wt% of tungsten were synthesized by polymeric precursor method and after they were calcined at 600, 700 and 800 degrees C. The structural and textural properties of the catalysts were by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FIR), N-2 adsorption measurement, temperature programmed reduction by derivative thermogravimetry (TPR-DTG) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray diffractogram revealed the presence of tetragonal ZrO2 and platinum (Pt) as the main phases. The infrared spectra of the catalysts showed bands due O-W-O and W=O bonds. The catalysts showed specific surface area values in the range of 30-160 m(2) g(-1). TPR profile showed reduction peaks at high temperatures that were related with the reduction of WO, species. Such catalysts were active in the n-heptane isomerization with high selectivity to branched product. (c) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.