| abstract |
A catalyst comprising a phosphorus-vanadium mixed oxide and existing in the form of geometric shapes, such as tablets, provides minimum expansion of the geometric shapes under process reaction conditions, since the catalyst in the form of said geometric shapes has been heated in an inert atmosphere at a temperature within the range of about 343 DEG C. (650 DEG F.) to about 704 DEG C. (1,300 DEG F.) prior to being exposed to an oxygen-containing atmosphere at an elevated temperature. This catalyst is suitable for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon, such as benzene or n-butane, to maleic anhydride. |