Selective Oxidation of n‐Butane and Isobutane Catalyzed by Boron Nitride

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is presented as an outstanding catalyst for the selective production of C4 olefins by the oxidative dehydrogenation of n‐butane and isobutane. Unlike catalysts reported previously, hBN limits the amount of undesired COx and instead forms C2 and C3 olefins as the main side products. Kinetic experiments suggest a mechanism in which the rates of n‐butane and isobutane consumption are dependent on O2 adsorption. Kinetic and spectroscopic insights are used to formulate mechanistic hypotheses for the formation mechanisms of C2–C4 olefins. Catalysis by boron nitride: The oxidative dehydrogenation of n‐butane and isobutane is catalyzed by hexagonal boron nitride. This material shows a remarkable selectivity towards C4 olefins with only a minimal production of CO and CO2. C−C bond cleavage reactions to form ethene and propene become particularly significant under oxygen‐lean conditions.