Modified zinc ferrite oxidative dehydrogenation catalysts in oxidative dehydrogenation

In the process of oxidative dehydrogenation of organic compounds having from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms and at least one ##STR2## group in the presence of a pelleted powder of a zinc ferrite catalyst composition having the empirical formula Zn.sub.x Fe.sub.y O.sub.z wherein x is from 0.1 to about 2, y is about 0.3 to about 12 and z is about 3 to about 18 at a temperature of from about 500.degree. F. to about 1,200.degree. F. to thereby produce a dehydrogenated compound having the same number of carbon atoms, the improvement which comprises incorporating into said catalyst composition zinc carbonate by admixing (1) powdered zinc carbonate in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 25 wt.% determined on the basis of zinc oxide and based on the weight of the zinc ferrite composition, (2) powdered zinc ferrite and (3) aqueous phosphoric acid in an amount to dampen the powder mixture of zinc ferrite and zinc carbonate, and pelletizing the mixture.