Hydroconversion of paraffinic wax over platinum and palladium catalysts supported on silica–alumina

•Platinum and palladium on silica–alumina were tested in hydroconversion of wax.•The hydrogenation/dehydrogenation capability of the metals is different.•Platinum is more active and more selective to middle distillates.•Palladium results in higher isomerization degrees, but also secondary cracking.•Platinum produces more methane and ethane through hydrogenolysis.