Method for preparing lower olefins

Abstract

Here is disclosed a method for preparing lower olefins by bringing methanol and/or dimethyl ether into contact with a catalyst in a gaseous phase. In this method, the contact between the methanol and/or dimethyl ether and the catalyst is carried out at a weight hourly space velocity of 0.1 to 20 hr.sup.-1 at a reaction temperature of 300.degree. to 650.degree. C. under a total pressure of 0.1 to 100 atm by the use of, as the catalyst, an alkaline earth metal-modified alkaline earth metal-containing zeolite catalyst; the alkaline earth metal-modified alkaline earth metal-containing zeolite catalyst being prepared as disclosed in the Specification by modifying an alkaline earth metal-containing aluminoborosilicate so that the alkaline earth metal in an amount of at least 0.25% by weight in terms of the metal may be mixed with or supported in the zeolite catalyst.