Attapulgite was modified by the treatment with aq. solns. of NaOH, NaOH+NH(4)CO(3), EDTA and HCl as well as (i-PrO)(3)Al. The modified attapulgite grains were dried at 120 degrees C for 12 h, calcined at 400 degrees C, studied for structure, sp. surface area, pore vol. and size, and used as adsorbents for removal of methylene blue and BuNH(2) or as catalysts for decompn. of i-PrOH to MeCH=CH(2) and Me(2)CO at 350 degrees C for 4 h. The NaOH-modified attapulgite showed the highest adsorption capacity for methylene blue, while the HCl-modified attapulgite for BuNH(2).