LaMnO3-based catalysts were tested in a head-to-head comparison with Pt in the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane at short contact times under the same reactor configuration (400 cpsi honeycomb monolith). The comparison, carried out at varying C2H6/O-2 feed ratio and flow rate, showed that on LaMnO3-based catalyst ethylene formation is greatly enhanced in comparison with Pt under a wide range of experimental conditions. Accordingly, product distribution unveils a deeper oxidation of ethane on LaMnO3, resulting in a more efficient heat production and the formation of lower amounts of COx. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.