Abstract: This document relates to oxidative dehydrogenation catalyst materials that include molybdenum, vanadium, beryllium, oxygen, and optionally aluminum.

Abstract: Processes for upgrading a hydrocarbon. The process can include introducing, contacting, and halting introduction of a hydrocarbon-containing feed into a reaction zone. The feed can be contacted with a catalyst within the reaction zone to effect dehydrogenation, dehydroaromatization, and/or dehydrocyclization of the feed to produce a coked catalyst and an effluent. The process can include introducing, contacting, and halting introduction of an oxidant into the reaction zone. The oxidant can be contacted with the coked catalyst to effect combustion of the coke to produce a regenerated catalyst. The process can include introducing, contacting, and halting introduction of a reducing gas into the reaction zone. The reduction gas can be contacted with the regenerated catalyst to produce a regenerated and reduced catalyst. The process can include introducing and contacting an additional quantity of the feed with the regenerated and reduced catalyst to produce a re-coked catalyst and additional first effluent.

Abstract: This document relates to oxidative dehydrogenation catalyst materials that include molybdenum, vanadium, oxygen, and iron; oxidative dehydrogenation catalyst materials that include molybdenum, vanadium, oxygen, and aluminum; and oxidative dehydrogenation catalyst materials that include molybdenum, vanadium, oxygen, iron, and aluminum.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to systems and methods for efficiently converting a C1-C3 alkane such as natural gas to a liquid C2-C10 product and hydrogen. Generally, the process comprises flowing the C1-C3 alkane through a plurality of tubes within a vessel wherein the tubes house a catalyst for converting the C1-C3 alkane to the liquid C2-C10 product and hydrogen. The C1-C3 alkane is heated under suitable conditions to produce the liquid C2-C10 product and hydrogen. Advantageously, the C1-C3 alkane is heated by burning a fuel outside the tubes in fuel burning nozzles configured to transfer heat from the burning through the tubes.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a method comprising: (A) mixing a ferrite-based catalyst molded article with diluent material particles; and (B) adding the mixture to a catalyst reactor, and a method for preparing butadiene using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recovering light olefins, which can achieve an increase in propylene production and a reduction in the basic unit of a process by feeding steam into five serially connected dehydrogenation reactors, and can diversify the product of a propane dehydrogenation reaction process from a propylene single product into propylene and ethylene by separately collecting ethane and ethylene, i.e., by-products of the propylene production process, and converting the ethane into ethylene, thereby improving the economic efficiency of the process and selectivity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of producing a magnesia-zirconia complex carrier for a catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butane by sol-gel method; a method of producing a magnesium orthovanadate catalyst containing vanadium supported by said magnesia-zirconia complex carrier; and a method of producing n-butene and 1,3-butadiene using said catalyst.

Abstract: A dehydrogenation catalyst composition for use in preparing an alkenyl aromatic compound by dehydrogenation of an alkyl aromatic compound, a method for preparing the catalyst, and a process for using the catalyst in a dehydrogenation reaction. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is present in the reaction in a molar ratio of 0.015 to 0.20 based on an aromatic compound in a material gas. The catalyst further includes an iron compound, an alkali metal, and about 13 to about 60 wt % of a rare earth element calculated as an oxide.

Abstract: Processes for using a combination of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons are provided. A hydrocarbon feedstock, carbon dioxide and oxygen are fed to an oxidative dehydrogenation reactor system containing one or more catalysts that promote dehydrogenation of the hydrocarbon feedstock to produce a dehydrogenated hydrocarbon product. The processes of the present invention may be used, for example, to produce styrene monomer by dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene using carbon dioxide and oxygen as oxidants.

Abstract: A reactor for gas-phase dehydrogenation of a hydrocarbon-comprising stream with an oxygen-comprising stream over a monolithic heterogeneous catalyst. Catalytically active zone(s) comprising monoliths packed next to one another and/or above one another and a mixing zone having fixed internals upstream of each catalytically active zone. Feed line(s) for the hydrocarbon-comprising gas stream to be dehydrogenated at the lower end of the reactor. Independently regulable feed line(s), which supply distributor(s), for the oxygen-comprising gas stream into each of the mixing zones and discharge line(s) for the reaction gas mixture of the autothermal gas-phase dehydrogenation at the upper end of the reactor. The interior wall of the reactor is provided with insulation. The catalytically active zone(s) is accessible from the outside of the reactor via manhole(s).

Abstract: A process for the coupling of hydrocarbons and utilizing the heat energy produced by the reaction is disclosed. In one embodiment the process can include reacting methane with oxygen to form a product stream containing ethane and further processing the ethane to ethylene in an existing ethylene production facility while using the heat energy produced by the reaction within the facility.

Abstract: A process for the dehydrogenation of a paraffinic hydrocarbon compound, such as an alkane or alkylaromatic hydrocarbon compound to produce an unsaturated hydrocarbon compound, such as an olefin or vinyl aromatic compound or mixture thereof, in which a dehydrogenation catalyst contacts gaseous reactant hydrocarbons in a reactor at dehydrogenation conditions.

Abstract: A process for long-term operation of a continuous heterogeneously catalyzed partial dehydrogenation of a hydrocarbon to be dehydrogenated, in which a reaction gas mixture stream comprising the hydrocarbon to be dehydrogenated in a molar starting amount KW is conducted through an overall catalyst bed comprising the total amount M of dehydrogenation catalyst and the deactivation of the overall catalyst bed is counteracted in such a way that, with increasing operating time, the contribution to the conversion in the first third of the total amount M of dehydrogenation catalyst in flow direction decreases, the contribution to the conversion in the last third of the total amount M of dehydrogenation catalyst in flow direction increases, and the contribution to the conversion in the second third of the total amount M of dehydrogenation catalyst in flow direction passes through a maximum.

Abstract: A reactor in the form of a cylinder or prism wherein the interior of the reactor is divided by a cylindrical or prismatic gastight housing G which is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the reactor into an inner region having one or more catalytically active zones, in which in each case a packing composed of monoliths stacked on top of one another, next to one another and behind one another and before each catalytically active zone in each case a mixing zone having solid internals are provided, and an outer region B arranged coaxially to the inner region A, wherein the inner region A is insulated from the outer region B of the reactor by means of a microporous high-performance insulation material having a thermal conductivity 1 at temperatures up to 700° C. of less than 0.05 W/m*K is proposed.

Abstract: Processes for using a combination of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons are provided. A hydrocarbon feedstock, carbon dioxide and oxygen are fed to an oxidative dehydrogenation reactor system containing one or more catalysts that promote dehydrogenation of the hydrocarbon feedstock to produce a dehydrogenated hydrocarbon product. The processes of the present invention may be used, for example, to produce styrene monomer by dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene using carbon dioxide and oxygen as oxidants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous process for the oxidative dehydrogenation of a lower paraffin to a lower olefin, preferably alpha olefin by sequentially providing pulses of an oxygen containing gas, an inert gas, the paraffin, and inert gas in the presence of a catalyst that preferably has the ability to hold and release oxygen, so that the paraffin and the oxygen do not directly mix in the reactor.

Abstract: A dehydrogenation catalyst composition for use in preparing an alkenyl aromatic compound by dehydrogenation of an alkyl aromatic compound, a method for preparing the catalyst, and a process for using the catalyst in a dehydrogenation reaction. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is present in the reaction in a molar ratio of 0.015 to 0.20 based on an aromatic compound in a material gas. The catalyst further includes an iron compound, an alkali metal, and about 13 to about 60 wt % of a rare earth element calculated as an oxide.

Abstract: Methods of oxidative dehydrogenation are described. Surprisingly, Pd and Au alloys of Pt have been discovered to be superior for oxidative dehydrogenation in microchannels. Methods of forming these catalysts via an electroless plating methodology are also described. An apparatus design that minimizes heat transfer to the apparatus' exterior is also described.

Abstract: A reactor (1) in the form of an essentially horizontal cylinder for carrying out an autothermal gas-phase dehydrogenation of a hydrocarbon-comprising gas stream (2) by means of an oxygen-comprising gas stream (3) to give a reaction gas mixture over a heterogeneous catalyst configured as monolith (4), wherein the interior of the reactor (1) is divided by a detachable, cylindrical or prismatic housing G which is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the reactor (1) and is gastight in the circumferential direction and open at two end faces of the housing into an inner region A having one or more catalytically active zones (5), in which in each case a packing composed of monoliths (4) stacked on top of one another, next to one another and above one another and before each catalytically active zone (5) in each case a mixing zone (6) having solid internals are provided, and an outer region B arranged coaxially to the inner region A, is proposed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of styrene monomer by the dehydrogenation or oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene in the presence of recycle gas and more particularly to a method of reducing the boiling point of liquid ethylbenzene feed in the production of styrene monomer. The process comprises the step of catalytically dehydrogenating or oxydehydrogenating ethylbenzene in the presence of a mixture, wherein the mixture substantially comprises carbon dioxide, thereby catalytically producing styrene monomer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing unsaturated hydrocarbons. According to said method, in a first step, a hydrocarbon, especially a mixture which contains alkanes, essentially no water, and can contain water vapour, is continuously guided through a first catalyst bed provided with standard dehydration conditions. Liquid water, water vapour and a gas containing oxygen are then added to the reaction mixture obtained in the first step and, in a second step, the reaction mixture obtained is then continuously guided through another catalyst bed for oxidising hydrogen and for further dehydrating hydrocarbons. The first catalyst bed can be heated and the heating in the first step is then preferably regulated in such a way that an essentially isothermic operating mode is created.

Abstract: Catalysts and methods are described for the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene in the presence of an oxidant gas, such as oxygen or carbon dioxide, using a mixed metal oxide (MMO) catalyst or lithium-promoted sulfated zirconia catalyst to prepare styrene monomer. Ethylbenzene, steam or other inert gas, and an oxidant gas are fed to an oxydehydrogenation unit containing a MMO catalyst or lithium-promoted sulfated zirconia catalyst to produce a dehydrogenated product mixture. The dehydrogenated product mixture is cooled, off gases and condensate are separated from the mixture, and the dehydrogenated product mixture is fed to a distillation unit. Styrene monomer is distilled from the dehydrogenated product mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of oxydehydrogenating an alkyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon starting compound into the corresponding alkenyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon product, respectively, which process comprises a step of contacting the starting compound and an oxidant at dehydrogenating conditions, in the presence of a boria-alumina catalyst, characterized in that the boria-alumina catalyst has been prepared by a co-precipitation method. The co-precipitation method comprises the steps of preparing a solution of aluminium salt in an organic medium, followed by adding to this solution a boron compound and then adding ammonia gas to the mixture obtained in previous step to form a precipitate and/or a gel. This process enables oxydehydrogenation of ethyl-benzene to styrene with high selectivity.

Abstract: High temperature treatment of graphite nanofibers to increase their catalytic activity. The heat treated graphite nanofiber catalysts are suitable for catalyzing chemical reactions such as oxidation, hydrogenation, oxidative-dehydrogenation, and dehydrogenation.

Abstract: Improved methods and related apparatus are disclosed for efficiently recovering the heat of condensation from overhead vapor produced during separation of various components of dehydrogenation reaction effluent, particularly in ethylbenzene-to-styrene operations, by the use of at least a compressor to facilitate azeotropic vaporization of an ethylbenzene and water mixture within a preferred range of pressure/temperature conditions so as to minimize undesired polymerization reactions.

Abstract: Novel catalysts comprised of graphitic nanostructures. The graphitic nanostructure catalysts are suitable for catalyzing reactions such as oxidation, hydrogenation, oxidative-hydrogenation, and dehydrogenation.

Abstract: A process for the dehydrogenation of a C2 or C3 alkyl aromatic compound to a corresponding vinyl aromatic compound in a tubular reactor incorporating a spiral flow path. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide processes for the production of styrene or divinylbenzene by the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene or diethylbenzene, respectively. A feedstock containing a C2 or C3 alkyl aromatic and steam is supplied into the inlet of a tubular reactor containing a dehydrogenation catalyst and comprising a hydrogen permeable outer wall. The alkyl aromatic compound is dehydrogenated to a corresponding vinyl aromatic compound with the attendant production of hydrogen. The feedstock and products of the dehydrogenation reactor are flowed along a longitudinal spiral flow path providing for an outward radial flow of hydrogen to provide a pressure gradient through the hydrogen permeable outer wall of the reactor with the flow of hydrogen therethrough. Hydrogen is removed from the outer wall of the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for producing styrene by dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene, which contains the steps of (i) feeding a raw material gas containing ethylbenzene and steam to a first dehydrogenating step to produce a reacted gas containing ethylbenzene, styrene and hydrogen in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst, (ii) feeding the reacted gas obtained in the first dehydrogenating step to an oxidizing step to combust at least part of hydrogen in the presence of an oxidation catalyst, and (iii) feeding the reacted gas obtained in the oxidizing step to a second dehydrogenating step to produce styrene from ethylbenzene in the presence of the dehydrogenation catalyst, with maintaining the carbon dioxide-generating ratio in the second dehydrogenating step at a level less than 2.1 times that at the initial stage of the reaction.

Abstract: A catalyst for the selective oxidation of hydrogen has been developed. It comprises an inert core such as cordierite and an outer layer comprising a lithium aluminate support. The support has dispersed thereon a platinum group metal and a promoter metal, e.g. platinum and tin respectively. This catalyst is particularly effective in the selective oxidation of hydrogen in a dehydrogenation process.

Abstract: Process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of a C2 or C3 alkyl aromatic in which a feedstock containing the alkyl aromatic and steam is supplied into the inlet of a tubular reactor containing a dehydrogenation catalyst. Within the reactor, the feedstock flows through at least a portion of the reactor along a spiral flow path extending longitudinally of the reactor. The resulting vinyl aromatic product is then recovered from a downstream or outlet section of the reactor. The spiral flow path through which the feedstock is passed is located at least adjacent the inlet side of the reactor and at least a portion of the spiral flow path contains a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst. The spiral flow path may extend throughout a major portion of the elongated tubular reactor and may contain a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst in a substantial portion there.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for isolating, from a polymer comprising repeating units which are individually of Formula X in which Y is P or N, Ar1 & Ar2 are bivalent aromatic groups, Ar3 is a monovalent aromatic group, and the units of Formula X may be the same or different, a molecular weight fraction which is especially suitable for use as a charge transport material.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for producing styrene by dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene, which contains the steps of (i) feeding a raw material gas containing ethylbenzene and steam to a first dehydrogenating step to produce a reacted gas containing ethylbenzene, styrene and hydrogen in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst, (ii) feeding the reacted gas obtained in the first dehydrogenating step to an oxidizing step to combust at least part of hydrogen in the presence of an oxidation catalyst, and (iii) feeding the reacted gas obtained in the oxidizing step to a second dehydrogenating step to produce styrene from ethylbenzene in the presence of the dehydrogenation catalyst, with maintaining the carbon dioxide-generating ratio in the second dehydrogenating step at a level less than 2.1 times that at the initial stage of the reaction.

Abstract: Process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene in which a feedstock containing ethylbenzene and steam is supplied into the inlet of a tubular reactor containing a dehydrogehation catalyst. Within the reactor, the feedstock flows through at least a portion of the reactor along a spiral flow path extending longitudinally of the reactor. The resulting styrene product is then recovered from a downstream or outlet section of the reactor. The spiral flow path through which the feedstock is passed is located at least adjacent the inlet side of the reactor and at least a portion of the spiral flow path contains a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst. The spiral flow path may extend throughout a major portion of the elongated tubular reactor and may contain a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst in a substantial portion there.

Abstract: A mono-olefin hydrocarbon and/or a di-olefin hydrocarbon represented by the following general formula (3) is selectively produced by dehydrogenating or oxidative-dehydrogenating a mixture of any one of hydrocarbons among the hydrocarbons represented by the following general formula (1) and any one of hydrocarbons among the hydrocarbons represented by the following general formula (2), followed by distillation;

Abstract: A process for dehydrogenating C5-C22 aliphatic hydrocarbons to the corresponding olefinic hydrocarbons is carried out in the presence of a catalyst comprising at least one support, at least one metal from group VIII of the periodic table and at least one additional element M selected from the group formed by germanium, tin, lead, rhenium, gallium, indium, and thallium. The process is characterized in that the catalyst is prepared using a process in which said metal M is introduced in an aqueous solvent in the form of at least one organometallic compound comprising at least one carbon-M bond.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for indirectly heating an endothermic reaction by combustion of reactants or products from the endothermic reaction using a plate heat exchange arrangement in a highly efficient manner. This invention is particularly suited for processes such as the production of styrene or synthesis gas. When producing synthesis gas, oxidizing reactants in a secondary reforming step generates heat for a primary reforming step and the process improves selectivity and yield with a highly efficient heat exchange step that uses narrow channel for indirect heat exchange. The narrow channels are preferably defined by corrugated plates. The primary reaction channels will contain a catalyst for the promotion of the primary reaction such as steam reforming or ethylbenzene dehydrogenation.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon conversion processes using a new family of crystalline manganese phosphate compositions is disclosed. These compositions have an extended network; which network can be a one-, two-, or three-dimensional network. The composition has an empirical formula of:(A.sup.a+).sub.v (Mn.sup.b+)(M.sup.c+).sub.x P.sub.y O.sub.zwhere A is a templating agent such as an alkali metal, M is a metal such as Al, Fe.sup.3+ and "b" is the average manganese oxidation state and varies from greater than 3.0 to about 4.0.

Abstract: A process for the oxidation and oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons, in particular ethylbenzene, to form corresponding oxidized or olefinically unsaturated compounds, in particular styrene, over an oxygen-conferring, oxygen-regenerable catalyst involving a working period, a time-displaced regenerating period and at least one intermediate rinsing period comprises effecting a partial regeneration during the working period by time-displaced addition of a substoichiometric amount of oxygen.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for dehydrogenation in reactor systems of improved resistance to carburization under dehydrogenation conditions.

Abstract: Oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes and alkylaromatic hydrocarbons is achieved by contact with an active carbon catalyst. In various aspects of the invention, the oxidative dehydrogenation is performed at a pressure above about 100 psia, and/or at a temperature in the range from about 500.degree. C. to about 800.degree. C., and/or the active carbon catalyst contains a metal, for example, molybdenum.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for dehydrogenation of alkanes into alkenes in reactor systems of improved resistance to carburization under dehydrogenation conditions. The reactor walls are provided with a carburization and abrasion resistant protective layer by applying a metal plating, cladding or other coatings, such as painting, of a metal, such as Sb, As, Bi, Cu, Cr, Ga, Ge, In, Pb, Se, Te, Sn, particularly tin as a stannide layer, for forming a carburation resistant protective layer to a thickness of about 0.5 to 15 mils, effective to isolate the steel portion from hydrocarbons during the dehydrogenation process while avoiding any substantial liquid metal embrittlement. The protective layer is formed anchored to the steel portion through an intermediate carbide-rich bonding layer.

Abstract: Catalyzed vapor-phase processes are taught for the oxidative dehydrogenation of a lower-alkyl-monosubstituted ethylbenzene to a lower-alkyl-monosubstituted styrene. Barium pyrophosphate and the pyrophosphate-containing calcination product of KFe.sub.3 H.sub.14 (PO.sub.4).sub.8.nH.sub.2 O, n running between about 1 to about 4, are shown to effectively catalyze these dehydrogenations at a low enough temperature such that very little cracking of the lower alkyl group occurs which gives superior conversions and selectivities to the corresponding styrenes and lengthened catalyst lifetime. An improved method of preparation of KFe.sub.3 H.sub.14 (PO.sub.4).nH.sub.2 O is described as well as the new material which is essentially KFe.sub.3 H.sub.6 (P.sub.2 O.sub.7).sub.4.

Abstract: The preparation, structure, and properties of solid inorganic materials containing at least one rare earth element, aluminum, boron and oxygen are described. Also described is the use of such materials in catalytic compositions for the conversion of organic compounds. In particular, new materials comprising crystalline LnAl.sub.1.67+0.67X (B.sub.4 O.sub.10)O.sub.X where Ln is at least one Group IIIB element ion having effective ionic radii less than about 0.98 Angstroms at valence 3+ and coordination number VI, and X is a number ranging from 0 to 1, having a characteristic X-ray diffraction pattern are described as well as the use of such materials in various catalyzed processes including oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing hydrocarbons, dehydrogenation to functionalize alkylaromatic compounds, and ammoxidation of alkylaromatic compounds.

Abstract: A dehydrogenation process, where a hydrocarbon feed is dehydrogenated in a dehydrogenation zone and then oxidatively reheated by the combustion of hydrogen in an oxidation zone containing an oxidation catalyst, is improved by using a stream of dilution steam as an educing fluid to draw oxygen into contact with the effluent from the dehydrogenation zone ahead of the oxidation zone. A stream of dilution steam is often combined with the dehydrogenation zone effluent in order to control the oxygen concentration ahead of the oxidation zone and to lower the hydrogen partial pressure. Educing the oxygen-containing gas for the oxidation zone into the process by using the dilution steam an an educing fluid eliminates the need for compression of the oxygen-containing gas and prevents oxygen from contacting the dehydrogenation zone effluent before the dilution steam is admixed therewith. This process is particularly beneficial in the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to produce styrene.

Abstract: A novel catalytic composite and a process for its use is disclosed. The catalyst composite comprises a first component selected from Group IA and Group IIA elements of the Periodic Table of the Elements, a second component selected from iridium, and osmium, or mixtures thereof, a third component selected from the elements of Group IVA of the Periodic Table of the Elements, platinum, and a support having a nominal dimension (d) of from 50 to 10,000 microns. The catalytic composite is characterized in that both the second component and platinum are surface-impregnated upon the support, with the concentration gradient of the second component being steeper than that of platinum. The second component is eggshell surface-impregnated.

Abstract: A process to purify t-butylstyrene from product containing substantial amounts of t-butylethylbenzene and small amounts of alkenyl-substituted styrene impurities by a combination of vacuum fractionation and vacuum evaporation in the presence a polymerization inhibitor, and treatment with a carbonaceous adsorbent. Such a product to be purified can be prepared by catalytically, oxidatively dehydrogenating over an alkaline pyrophosphate in the vapor phase t-butylethylbenzene containing about 95 wt. % or more of the p-isomer which can be made by alkylating ethylbenzene with isobutylene in a controlled manner in the presence of cooled concentrated sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process which utilizes a novel catalytic composite is disclosed. The catalyst composite comprises a platinum group metal component, a first modifier selected from Group IA and IIA elements of the Periodic Table, a second modifier component selected from the group of elements consisting of palladium, iridium, and osmium, and a third modifier component selected from the elements of Group IVA of the Periodic Table of the Elements. All of the catalytic components are located on a refractory oxide support having a nominal diameter (d) of from 50 to 10,000 microns. The catalytic composite is characterized in that the second modifier components is surface-impregnated upon the support in such a manner that the average concentration of the surface-impregnated second modifier component on the outside 0.2d micron catalyst layer is at least 2 times the average concentration of the second modifier component in 0.

Abstract: Alkenyl-substituted benzene derivatives are produced by oxidatively coupling at elevated temperature a benzene having at least one activated saturated hydrocarbyl substituent in vapor form with a gaseous paraffinic hydrocarbon in the presence of a gaseous oxidant and as catalyst therefor a binary metallic or multimetallic composition capable of oxidatively coupling methane.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons may be subjected to a dehydrogenation reaction in which the hydrocarbons such as ethylbenzene are contacted with a dehydrogenation catalyst comprising a modified iron compound in the presence of steam. The reaction mixture effluent containing unconverted hydrocarbons, dehydrogenatable hydrocarbon, hydrogen and steam is then contacted with an oxidation catalyst in a second oxidation zone whereby hydrogen is selectively oxidized to the substantial exclusion of oxidation of the hydrocarbon. The selective oxidation catalyst which is employed is prepared in a two-step process in which a compound containing a noble metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table and a compound containing a metal of Group IVA of the Periodic Table is impregnated on a porous inorganic support such as alumina. The impregnated support is then calcined and subjected to a second step impregnation in which the support is impregnated with a solution of a compound containing lithium.

Abstract: Catalyst activity life of an iron oxide-containing catalyst is extended by contacting such catalyst with a feedstream containing about 0.0001 to about 0.01 mole of oxygen per mole of feed in the substantial absence of an oxidation catalyst.