Abstract: An improved method for the selective vapor phase oxidation of acrolein to acrylic acid in a recirculating solids reactor system using a particulate molybdenum vanadate multimetal oxide as oxidant involving specific reactant concentrations (preferably 5 mol % to 30 mol % propylene, 0 to 20 mol % oxygen, 0 to 70 mol % water, and the remainder inert gas), solids particle size (20 to 300 micrometers), temperature (250 to 450° C.) and gas (1 to 15 seconds) and solids (2 to 60 seconds) residence times. Such a process leads to improved selectivity, conversion and solids conversion ratio.