Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst precursor for producing maleic anhydride by oxidizing butane. Said catalyst precursor is prepared by a process comprising partially reducing V+5 to V+4 in a mixture of alcohols consisting of isobutanol and benzyl alcohol in a volume ratio of 2.5-5.0, then adding a phosphoric oxy-acid and an alkylsilicon in turn. The catalyst precursor prepared according to said process has a small pore volume, a relatively high bulk density in an appropriate pore size distribution.