Abstract: A process for converting naphtha to predominantly ethane comprising contacting a naphtha stream with a zeolitic catalyst comprising a noble metal and hydrogen to produce a light paraffin stream comprising ethane and propane; wherein the catalyst comprises at least about 0.005 wt % noble metal at a ratio of hydrogen to hydrocarbon of less than about 5. In a predominantly propane mode, the catalyst comprises about 0.005 wt % noble metal and operates at a reaction temperature of no more than about 450° C. The process can be switched between modes depending on the desires of the operator.

Abstract: A process for converting naphtha to light olefins comprises contacting a naphtha stream with a zeolitic catalyst to produce a light paraffin stream at conditions which dehydrogenate the naphtha to olefins, interconvert the olefins to lighter olefins and hydrogenate the lighter olefins to produce a light paraffin stream comprising ethane and propane. The catalyst may comprise a zeolite and a metal.