The bimolecular ketonization of 1-butanol by lanthanum manganite perovskite of different La/Mn stoichiometry is reported. A quite high catalytic activity at relatively low temperature (similar to 320 degrees C) is found for La-deficient composition (La/Mn = 0.91). The property found is likely attributed to high concentration of the active centers (deep La-site deficiency of the catalyst's rhombohedral structure form) and to high concentration of the oxidant, i.e., Mn ions of comparatively high valence (V-Mn), present in fully occupied Mn-sublattice. All these factors, additionally reinforced by the highest temperature and VMn variation stability of the catalyst (similar to 1100 degrees C, 3.4 <= x Delta V-Mn <= 3.17), ensure its the highest catalytic activity among the other compositions available. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.