CuO/Al2O3 was used for dehydrogenation of butenes (1-butene, cis-2-butene, and trans-2-butene) to 1,3-butadiene at 200 degrees C under an anaerobic condition without an excessive amount of dilution. 1,3-butadiene was selectively obtained from butenes without the formation of carbon oxides over the CuO/Al2O3 catalyst. Bifunctionality of oxidation and C-H bond activation by CuO and Al2O3, respectively, were strongly required for the selective conversion of the butenes to 1,3-butadiene. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.