The Keggin, K3PW12O40 compound was found to be active as a catalyst in oxidative dehydrogenation of propane. The reaction was conducted at 1 atm, 450-550 degreesC, for a feed flow of 75 cm(3)/min (propane 20 cm(3)/min; oxygen 5 cm(3)/min; and the rest helium). At 450 degreesC the activity was low (1.4% conversion and 52% olefins - propene and ethene - selectivity) while at 550 degreesC the performance was improved (43% conversion and 71% olefins selectivity). The effects of partial pressures of both propane, P-P (0.06-0.53 atm) and oxygen, P-O (0.06-0.33 atm) on the performance of the catalyst were also investigated. A maximum olefins yield of 31% was obtained at 500 degreesC, P-P of 0.53 atm and P-O of 0.13 atm.