The conversion (dehydration/dehydrogenation) of 2-propanol on a series
of CrPO4 (Cr/P=1) catalysts, differently prepared and thermally treat
ed at 773-1073 K, has been studied by microcatalytic pulse reactor tec
hnique at different temperatures (473-573 K). Catalytic performance is
strongly affected by the precipitation agent. Catalysts obtained in p
ropylene oxide-aqueous ammonia showed the highest activity towards pro
pene compared to other catalysts. Calcination at increasing temperatur
es caused a decrease in activity due to the decrease in surface acid c
haracter. Dehydrogenation to 2-propanone occurs to a small extent at a
ll reaction temperatures. Propene selectivity strongly increases with
increasing reaction temperature.