| abstract |
Ethane is catalytically oxydehydrogenated to ethylene in a gas phase reaction, in the presence or absence of water, at temperatures of ≦550° C. using a catalyst comprising oxides of the elements n n Mo.sub.a X.sub.b Y.sub.c n n wherein n X=Cr, Mn, Nb, Ta, Ti, V and/or W, n Y=Bi, Ce, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Si, Sn, Tl and/or U, n a=1, n b=0 to 2, n c=0 to 2, n with the proviso that the total value of c for Co, Ni and and/or Fe is <0.5. n Acetic acid is also produced. |