The conversion of heavy paraffin and aromatics into a high-quality diesel fraction was performed in a microplant using a WNiPd/CeY-alumina catalyst. The effects of aromatics and naphtheno-aromatics on mild hydrocracking of hexadecane were studied at different concentrations. Two catalysts, with and without Pd and thermal treatment, were characterized by FTIR, XPS, and TPD of ammonia and ammonia plus naphthalene to complement previous study about the surface composition. The hydrocracking activity and selectivity were tested using different amounts and types of aromatics. This study demonstrated the presence of two acid strengths that contribute in different ways to paraffin and aromatics isomerization, ring opening, and cracking reactions. The product distribution obtained by mild hydrocracking of n-C-16 is between amorphous (SiO2Al2O3) and Y-zeolite type of support. The aromatic adsorption on acid sites reduces the cracking rate and improves the survival of di- and tri-branched paraffin. A model for the path of reaction is discussed to explain the results. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.