The contribution deals with mesoporous materials of M41S family post-synthetically clopped with vanadium oxo-species. The performance of V-HMS, V-MCM-41 and V-SBA-15 catalysts with varying vanadium loadings was studied in oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of ethane. The objectives of this Study were to determine a possible activity of vanadium species supported on mesoporous materials of M41S family and to optimize reaction conditions. We contribute to the understanding of the relationship between the activity of vanadium species in ODH of ethane and its distribution. Vanadium-based catalysts were analyzed by UV-vis spectroscopy, voltammetry of microparticles (VMP), and nitrogen adsorption (determination of specific surface area). The most active catalysts contained 2-4.5 wt.% V finely dispersed over mesoporous support in the form of isolated monomeric and oligomeric vanadium species. V-HMS, V-MCM-41 and V-SBA-15 exhibited comparable activity in ODH of ethane. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.