The combustion of n-pentane on Pt supported on sulfated zirconia-based solid superacids has been studied. The combustion activity is related with the Pt dispersion of the catalyst and the acid strength of the support. Chemisorption of n-pentane on the catalysts has been investigated by means of infrared spectroscopy. The formation of alkane carbocations on the surface sulfates during reaction may account for the enhancement of the combustion activity by the strong acidity of the supports.