OXIDATIVE DEHYDROGENATION OF N-PENTANE ON MAGNESIUM VANADATE CATALYSTS

Two pure magnesium vanadate phases, Mg2V2O7 and Mg3V2O8, were prepared and tested in the dehydrogenation of n-pentane in the presence of oxy gen. Both magnesium vanadates are effective catalysts, with Mg3V2O8 ex hibiting higher selectivity to dehydrogenation products. Testing of me chanical mixtures, consisting of each one of the magnesium vanadates a nd antimony oxide, indicated that the latter had a positive effect esp ecially on the selectivity to dehydrogenation with the Mg3V2O8 contain ing samples. The main products of the reaction were pentenes, pentadie nes and carbon oxides. Characterisation of the samples prior to and af ter catalytic tests revealed that all catalysts remained practically u nchanged during the reaction. The mixtures consisted of separate magne sium vanadate and antimony oxide phases and no formation of new phases was detected.