Solid acid catalyst and method of using same

A catalyst composition includes an oxygen compound of an element selected from Group IVB or Group IVA of the Periodic Table of the Elements; an oxygen compound of an element selected from Group VIB or Group VIA of the Periodic Table of the Elements; and at least about 1% by weight based upon total catalyst weight of fumed silica particles. The catalyst composition is advantageously employed in hydrocarbon conversion processes such as isomerization.