An active material useful in an oxidative dehydrogenation reactor system has an active phase, and a mixed metal oxide support phase. The active phase includes a transition metal oxide such as manganese oxide, which is reversibly oxidizable and/or reducible between oxidized and reduced states. The support phase includes a mixed metal oxide of a two or more IUPAC Group 2-14 elements. The active phase can also include a promoter such as Na-WO4 and/or a selectivity modifier such as Al or ceria. Also, a reactor including the active material in a reactor, a method of making the active material, and a method of using the active material in a regenerative reaction process.