On Cu-ZSM-5 zeolite at room temperature, propane is physisorbed, while propene shows characteristics of chemisorption. The chemisorption mode has certain advantages for the catalytic control of automotive emissions. Alkane and alkene adsorption equilibria and kinetics are compared on Cu-ZSM-5 and on ZSM-5 free of alumina. The results are discussed in terms of the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.