Modified zinc ferrite catalyst and method of preparation and use

Abstract

A catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation of organic compounds is provided by forming a solution of catalyst precursor components comprised of Fe+3 and Zn+2 cations and at least one other modifier element cation in water to form an aqueous solution of the catalyst precursor components. The modifier element cation has a standard reduction potential of from greater than about −2.87 E° (V) to less than about −0.036 E° (V) with a valence of +2. A base is separately and simultaneously added to the aqueous solution in amounts to maintain the pH of the aqueous solution at a pH of from about 8.5 to about 9.5 as the catalyst precursor components. The catalyst precursor components are allowed to react and precipitate out of solution as a precipitate. The resulting precipitate is calcined to form a modified zinc ferrite catalyst compound.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.