Cr x SiBEA catalysts (x ) 0.2, 1.0, and 3.4 Cr wt %) are prepared by a two-step postsynthesis method. The introduction of Cr ions in the framework of dealuminated SiBEA zeolite evidenced by XRD generates Brønsted acidic sites as shown by FTIR of pyridine used as molecular probe. In Cr x SiBEA as prepared, chromium is mainly present as octahedral Cr(III) and in calcined Cr x SiBEA (773 K, 3 h, flowing air) as distorted tetrahedral Cr(VI), as evidenced by DR UV-vis, TPR, and XPS. Upon outgassing of calcined Cr x SiBEA at 773 K for 1 h (10 -3 Pa), part of Cr(VI) is reduced to distorted tetrahedral Cr(V), as shown by EPR. Isolated distorted tetrahedral Cr sites present in activated Cr x SiBEA are responsible for their catalytic activity in the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of propane, performed in the presence of air or N 2 O. The propane conversion increases with Cr content in the presence of air or N 2 O, while the selectivity toward propene depends on the reaction temperature and oxidant. In the presence of air, the selectivity toward propene is highest for 1.0 Cr wt %. The lower selectivity for the content of 3.4 Cr wt % may be the result of the presence of some amount of extra-framework octahedral Cr sites. The lower propane conversion and the higher selectivity toward propene in the presence of N 2 O probably depend on the oxidation state of Cr under reaction conditions and on the nature of surface oxygen. The presence of isolated tetrahedral chromium sites with oxidation state lower than (VI) on activated Cr x SiBEA is essential for maintaining a high selectivity.