The Y-doped and pure CeO2 nanorods were tested as dehydrogenation catalysts in the oxidative dehydrogenation of cyclohexene and cyclohexane. The dehydrogenation process involves a redox process and the increased amount of oxygen vacancies improved the catalytic activity. At a temperature as low as 150 A degrees C, compared to the temperature of similar to 600 A degrees C required for vanadium catalysts, the Y-doped CeO2 nanorods exhibits a cyclohexane conversion of similar to 20% with a product distribution for 38% cyclohexene, 11% benzene, 1% 1,3-cyclohexanediene and 50% combustion products. [GRAPHICS] .