| abstract |
The present invention provides a catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation of a lower hydrocarbon to form at least one higher hydrocarbon and/or lower olefin. In one embodiment, the catalyst includes a nonstoichiometric rare earth oxycarbonate of the formula MxCyOz having a disordered and/or defect structure, wherein M is at elast one rare earth element selected from the group consisting of La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm; X = 2; Z = 3 + AY; A is less than about 1.8, and Y is the number of carbom atoms in the oxycarbonate. When used for the oxidative dehydrogenation of a lower hydrocarbon at a pressure above bout 100 psig. the catalyst has a selectivity of at least about 40 percent to at least one higher hydrocarbon and/or lower olefin. Methods for preparing catalysts taught by the invention and processes for using the catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of lower hydrocarbons are also provided. |