| Abstract: | Oslefins and diolefins are important intermediates in the petrochemical industry and the future promises a further substantial increase in demand. While several catalysts have been formulated in the past for the abstraction of hydrogen from butenes and propylene, these catalysts are inefficient in the abstraction of first hydrogen from butane. Bismuth molybdates (β and γ-phases) containing iron oxide and supported on alumina are used as catalysts in the present investigation on the oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butane. Effects of catalyst content, temperature and oxygen: n-butane ratio on conversion and selectivity to butadiene and (C4H8 + C4H6) are studied in the following ranges of experimental conditions: β-bismuth molybdate/100 mol support I(K), 3–9; γ-bismuth molybdate/100 mol support I(K), 5-20; temperature, 400–500°C; O2: butane ratio, 0.6:1.7. |
