Metathesis of 2-pentene over Mo and W supported mesoporous molecular sieves MCM-41 and SBA-15

[Display omitted] •Catalysts having molybdenum and tungsten oxides supported on mesoporous molecular sieves (MCM-41 and SBA-15) exhibited metathesis of 2-pentene.•Catalysts having molybdenum oxide supported on MCM-22 exhibited mainly isomerization and cracking reactions.•Addition of ethylene in the feed resulted in increased selectivity of propylene due to cross metathesis reaction between ethylene and 2-pentene. Molybdenum and tungsten oxides were supported on silica, MCM-22, MCM-41 and SBA-15. XRD and N2 adsorption–desorption revealed that architecture and textural character of supports were preserved. The catalysts were investigated in transformation of 2-pentene at different reaction temperatures. MoO3/MCM-22 exhibited highest conversions with isomerization and cracking as major reactions. MoO2(acac)2, MoO3 and WO3 supported on MCM-41 and SBA-15 showed metathesis reaction of 2-C5= producing propylene, C4= and C6+=as major products. Catalysts based on MCM-41 exhibited higher activity and stability than SBA-15. Addition of ethylene to 2-C5= increased selectivity to propylene due to metathesis of ethylene with 2-pentene.