Abstract: The present invention refers to a catalyst for aldehyde production, in particular formaldehyde or acetaldehyde production, through selective oxidation of alkanol, especially methanol or ethanol, with oxygen, said catalyst having a spinel structure. The catalyst typically comprises a Fea+qVb+xMoc+y?zO4 spinel structure wherein ? is an optional cation vacancy and wherein z=3?q?x?y and q×a+x×b+y×c=8 in concentrations corresponding to 0.6<q<3, 0?x<1.5, 0?y?1 and 0?z<1.3 and 2?a?3, 3?b?5 and 3?c?6. The present invention further refers to a process for producing said catalyst and to the use of said catalyst for selective oxidation of alkanol, preferably methanol or ethanol, with oxygen to aldehyde, preferably formaldehyde or acetaldehyde.