The surface chemistry of supported chromium oxide on lanthanum carbona
te has been studied by TPD, FTIR, XPS, and electrophoretic measurement
techniques. The active center for the oxidative dehydrogenation of is
obutane to isobutylene was identified as a chromate species bound to t
he surface of lanthanum carbonate. This species was formed as a result
of interaction between chromium oxide and lanthanum carbonate surface
through CO2 elimination. FTIR and XPS experiments have confirmed a co
mplete reversibility of active sites during reduction-oxidation. (C) 1
997 Academic Press.