Conversion of ethane and of propane to higher olefin hydrocarbons

Binary catalysts for oxydehydrogenation of ethane were prepared and tested: Mo[sub 19]NbO[sub x], Mo[sub 4]VO[sub x], V[sub 5]NbO[sub x]. The combination of Mo and V is more active, selective than V-Nb or Mo and Nb. Nb in catalysts, particularly ternary, inhibits CO[sub 2] formation. Propane oxydehydrogenation occurs at lower temperature than ethane conversion over both binary and ternary catalysts; however selectivity to propylene is lower than for ethylene from ethane. Propylene is completely converted to carbon oxides when charged to the catalyst in absence of propane. Attempts failed to obtain higher hydrocarbons by oligemerizing propylene over acidic catalysts as it is formed.