Several MoV0.3Te0.23PXOn, catalysts with different P-content were prepared. These catalysts showed a definite activity for the selective oxidation propane to acrolein at 773 K, and the maximum yield of acrolein attained to 21.9% as the content of phosphorus equaled to 0.15. The catalysts were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and H-2-temperature programmed reduction (TPR) studies. The experimental results revealed that the addition of phosphorus not only change the crystalloid phases of the catalysts but also affect the redox capability of the catalysts, which greatly improved the performance of the catalyst. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.