Oxidation of isobutane and isobutene to methacrolein over hydrothermally synthesized Mo–V–Te–O mixed oxide catalysts

A series of Mo–V–Te–O catalysts were prepared by calcining the hydrothermally synthesized MoV0.3Tex (x = 0–0.4) precursors and tested for the selective oxidation of isobutane and isobutene. Characterization results showed that their structure and properties depend on the composition of the prepared samples. Catalytic tests showed that relatively high conversion of isobutane (15.6%) and selectivity to methacrolein (44.2%) can be achieved over a MoV0.3Te0.25 catalyst. It is found that TeMo-containing phases are active and selective for the selective oxidation of isobutane to methacrolein.