VOx on SiO2, Al2O3, and SiO2-Al2O3 were tested in dehydrogenation of isobutane.
VOx on Al2O3 showed much higher selectivity than VOx on SiO2 or SiO2–Al2O3.
Selectivity is determined by activity for isobutene isomerization to n-butenes.
Isomerization is catalyzed by acidic sites of support and by VOx bound to silica.
Coke can be formed via isobutene or via n-butene–butadiene.