A series of catalysts having the general formula Ca1-xNixV2 oxides (0.0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 1.0) has been prepared and calcined at 500 and 700 degreesC. The structural and the electrical properties of the calcination products have been investigated using X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, Infrared spectroscopy, Temperature-programmed oxidation and the electrical conductivity measurements. The vapor-phase dehydration/dehydrogenation of 2-propanol, in the temperature range 100-350 degreesC, was used to identify the catalytic activity of these catalysts. Results are discussed on the basis of the structural and the electrical changes accompanying variation of the composition. It was found that the preferential formation of the rich V=O planes plays a decisive role in deciding the catalytic activity. Finally, a possible mechanism in consistent with the obtained catalytic data is proposed.