The use of complementary physicochemical tools (XRD, Raman spectroscop
y, XPS, P-31 NMR, and electron microscopy techniques), sometimes used
in in situ conditions has allowed to evidence the dynamic processes oc
curring during the oxidation of light alkanes on the vanadium phosphor
us oxide (VPO) system. The transformations of the VPO system in the co
urse of the oxidation of n-butane to maleic anhydride and of the oxida
tion of propane to acrylic acid are contrasted in connection with the
evolution of the catalytic performances.