Process for catalytically converting naphtha to light olefins with predominant modes

A process for converting naphtha predominantly to propane comprising:

• contacting a naphtha stream with a zeolitic catalyst comprising a noble metal and hydrogen to produce a light paraffin stream comprising propane;
• wherein the catalyst comprises at least about 0.005 wt % noble metal, operating at a reaction temperature of no more than about 440° C.

A process for converting naphtha to ethane and propane comprising contacting a naphtha stream with a catalyst comprising a noble metal and hydrogen to produce a light paraffin stream comprising ethane and propane, wherein the catalyst comprises at least about 0.1 wt % noble metal;

• switching from a predominant ethane mode at WHSV of less than 4 hr−1 to a predominant propane mode at WHSV of at least 4 hr−1;
• or switching from a predominant propane mode at WHSV of at least 4 hr−1 to a predominant ethane mode at WHSV of less than 4 hr−1.