The XBaSrTiO3 (X = Li, Na, Mg) with perovskite structure was prepared by impregnation of LiCl, NaCl or MgCl2 solution on BaSrTiO3 (BST) surface. The products were characterized with XRD, SEM, UV, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Determination of band gap, conduction and basicity of the prepared catalysts revealed that NaBST exhibits the lowest band gap and the most conduction and basicity. The catalytic performances of XBSTs for the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) in a tubular continuous flow reactor were evaluated. The NaBST showed the maximum catalytic effect on methane conversion (47%), C2+ selectivity (51%) and ethylene yield (24%) at the temperature of 800 degrees C. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.