This invention is directed to star shaped alumina extrudates with a pore volume in the pores of a diameter over 1000 nm, as determined by mercury porosity, of at least 0.05 ml/g and a total pore volume between 0.5-0.75 ml/g. The extrudates have a length of between 2-8 mm, a length to diameter ratio of between 1-3, a side crushing strength of at least 50 N and a bulk crushing strength of at least 1 MPa.