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.
