Catalysts for production of olefins by oxidative dehydrogenation, and methods of making and using the same

A method of producing olefin from a hydrocarbon comprising contacting the hydrocarbon with a catalyst composition in the presence of molecular oxygen at 350° C. to 550° C., such that said hydrocarbon is oxidatively dehydrogenated to olefins with a selectivity toward olefins which exceeds 97% on a molar basis, said catalyst composition having the formula:

• XxSiyWOz
• wherein:
• X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb. Cs, and Fr;
• x is 0.5-2.5;
• y is 0.05-5;
• and
• z is the number of oxygen atoms required to satisfy the valancy of X, Si and W in said catalyst composition.

A method of producing olefin from a hydrocarbon comprising contacting the hydrocarbon with a catalyst composition in the presence of molecular oxygen at 350° C. to 550° C., such that said hydrocarbon is oxidatively dehydrogenated with a selectivity toward olefins which exceeds 95% on a molar basis, said catalyst composition having the formula:

• XxSiyWOz
• wherein:
• X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and Fr;
• x is 0.5-2.5;
• y is 0.05-5;
• and
• z is the number of oxygen atoms required to satisfy the valancy of X, Si and W in said catalyst composition.