Abstract: In this paper the surface properties of MgO and SrO were investigated by means of temperature-programmed desorption. The results show that there are two types of both basic sites and acidic sites on MgO catalyst, while only one type strong basic sites on SrO catalyst. These basic sites, acidic sites and their synergistic action have different effect on the decomposition of isopropanol. On MgO, propene results from the elimination of water from isopropanol over strong acidic sites and acetone comes from the dehydrogenation of isopropanol over strong basic sites in cooperation with acidic sites. On SrO, acetone is the sole product resulted from the dehydrogenation of isopropanol under the action of very strong basic sites.

Key words: strontium oxide, magnesia, catalyst, isopropanol, decomposition