Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of novel composite catalysts useful for the oxidative conversion of methane to synthesis gas. The catalysts are represented by the formula: T.sub.m AO.sub.n, wherein T is a transition metal or metals, m is equal to the T/A mole ratio and is from 0.01 to 100, A is an alkaline earth metal or metals, O is oxygen and n is the number of oxygen atoms needed to form a catalyst composite wherein each element of the composite has a complete set of valence electrons. The process includes mixing compounds containing the transition metal or metals in finely ground form with the compounds containing the alkaline earth metals or metals in finely ground form in a T/A mole ratio of about 0.01 to about 100, heating the mixture to dryness at a temperature of about 80.degree. to 250.degree. C., decomposing the dried mixture at a temperature of about 400.degree. to 1200.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of synthesis gas by oxidative conversion of methane using composite catalysts having the formula: T.sub.m AO.sub.n, wherein T is a transition metal or metals, m is the T/A mole ratio and is from 0.01 to 100, A is an alkaline earth metal or metals, O is oxygen and n is the number of oxygen atoms needed to form a catalyst composite wherein each element of the composite has a complete set of valence electrons. In a preferred embodiment, the process includes passing a gas containing methane and oxygen over the composite catalyst in a fixed bed reactor at a pressure in the range of 0.5-50 atm, and at a temperature in the range of 200.degree.-1000.degree. C., and recovering the synthesis gas.