FIELD: organic synthesis catalysts. SUBSTANCE: method of preparing catalyst containing inert carrier, large amount of cobalt and lesser amount of scandium involves following steps: (i) preparation of the first catalyst precursor A containing cobalt and at least part of inert carrier via precipitation of cobalt on inert carrier followed by calcination, reduction, and passivation of cobalt- containing inert carrier and (ii) preparation of finished catalyst by precipitating scandium on catalyst precursor A followed by calcination, reduction, and passivation of cobalt and scandium-containing inert carrier, cobalt and scandium are present in the form of free elements or oxides and content of cobalt in catalyst ranging between 1 and 50% and that of scandium between 0.05 and 5%. Catalyst is mainly used for synthesis of linear saturated hydrocarbons from synthesis gas. EFFECT: increased conversion of CO and yield of C2 and higher hydrocarbons, reduced yield of methane. 8 cl, 3 tbl, 6 ex
