The oxidation of propene over mixed metal oxide catalysts based on cat
ion substituted 2:1 bismuth molybdates (Bi2Mo1-xMexO6-y, Me = Ni (x =
0.0, 0.25)) and vanadates Bi2V1-xMexO5.5-y, Me = Mn(x = 0.25), and Mo(
x = 0.0, 0.25 and 0.50) has been studied. At atmospheric pressure and
temperatures of 350-550 degrees C, the Mo:V containing catalysts are m
ore selective for acrolein production than either Bi2MoO6, Or Bi2VO5.5
, but Ni :md Mn substitutions produced less selective catalysts. Small
quantities of propylene oxide were observed, but attributed to gas-ph
ase reactions which are partially quenched by all the catalysts invest
igated.