OXIDATION CATALYSTS AND PROCESS REPARING ANHYDRIDE FROM ALKANES

A catalyst complex useful for the partial oxidation of alkanes to the corresponding anhydrides, e.g., converting normal C4 hydrocarbons to maleic anhydride in vapor phase, comprising as components vanadium, phosphorus, oxygen, Nb, Cu, Mo, Ni, Co and Cr. Preferred are those compositions containing in addition one or more of Ce, Nd, Ba, Hf, U, Ru, Re, Li or Mg.