Abstract:
Described is a process for the production of a pillared silicate. The process comprises (i) providing a layered silicate; (ii) interlayer expanding the layered silicate provided in step (i) comprising a step of treating the layered silicate with one or more swelling agents; (iii) treating the interlayer expanded silicate obtained in step (ii) with one or more hydrolyzable silicon containing compounds; (iv) treating the interlayer expanded compound obtained in step (iii) with an aqueous solution to obtain a pillared silicate; (v) removing at least a portion of the one or more swelling agents from the pillared silicate obtained in step (iv); and (vi) impregnating the pillared silicate obtained in step (v) with one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ru, Ir, and combinations of two or more thereof. Also described is a pillared silicate optionally obtainable from said process and its use, in particular, in a process for the production of one or more olefins according to the invention.