Patent ID: 7361622

Claim:
A multi-staged catalyst system for converting a C 3 -C 8 alkane to the corresponding C 3 -C 8 alkene, the corresponding C 3 -C 8 oxygenate, and mixtures thereof, said catalyst system comprising: (A) a first catalyst capable of catalyzing the full oxidation of the C 3 -C 8 alkane to produce heat, carbon dioxide and steam, and comprising (a) at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ag, Au, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru, alloys thereof and combinations thereof; and (b) at least one modifier selected from the group of metal oxides including the metals Bi, In, Mg, P, Sb, Zr, Group 1-3 metals, lanthanide metals and combinations thereof, the first catalyst being situated in a first reaction stage comprising a temperature between 500° C. and 1000° C. and a residence time no greater than 100 milliseconds; (B) a second catalyst comprising an activated zeolite and capable of catalyzing the endothermic dehydrogenation of the C 3 -C 8 alkane to produce the corresponding C 3 -C 8 alkene, in the presence of the heat and carbon dioxide produced using the first catalyst, in a second reaction stage comprising a temperature greater than 500° C. and a residence time no greater than 100 milliseconds; and (C) a third catalyst capable of selective oxidation of the corresponding C 3 -C 8 alkene, produced using the second catalyst, to produce C 3 -C 8 oxygenates, in a third reaction stage comprising a temperature greater than 300° C.