The dehydrogenation of propane to propene in the presence of carbon dioxide has been carried out over unpromoted and potassium promoted Ga2O3 catalysts. It was found that carbon dioxide enhance the initial activity of the Ga2O3 catalyst. After 0.2 h of reaction periodic propane conversion and propene selectivity reach 33 and 93%, respectively, while in the presence of argon only 25% conversion and 90% selectivity are achieved under the same condition. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.