Pentane (n-pentane) undergoes hydroisomerization in the presence of a nanocrystalline beta (BEA) zeolite. It isomerizes to iso-pentane in the presence of ZSM-5 (Zeolite Socony Mobil-5) zeolite catalysts under hydrogen and nitrogen atmosphere. Platinum catalysts when supported on sulfated zirconia-based solid superacids, promotes chemisorption and effective combustion of pentane.