Abstract: A catalyst for the production of a nitrile from an alkane, which satisfies the following conditions 1 and 2:1 the catalyst is represented by the empirical formula:Mo.sub.a V.sub.b Te.sub.c X.sub.x O.sub.n (1)wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nb, Ta, W, Ti, Al, Zr, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ru, Co, Rh, Ni, Pd, Pt, Sb, Bi, B and Ce,when a=1,b=0.01 to 1.0,c=0.01 to 1.0,x=0.01 to 1.0,and n is a number such that the total valency of the metal elements is satisfied; and2 the catalyst has X-ray diffraction peaks at the following angles of 2.theta. in its X-ray diffraction pattern:Diffractionangles of 2.theta. (.degree.)22.1.+-.0.328.2.+-.0.336.2.+-.0.345.2.+-.0.350.0.+-.0.3.

Abstract: A process for producing a nitrile, which comprises subjecting an alkane and ammonia in the gaseous state to catalytic oxidation in the presence of a catalyst which satisfies the following conditions of (1) and (2):(1) the catalyst is represented by the empirical formula:Mo.sub.a V.sub.b Te.sub.c X.sub.x O.sub.n (1)wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nb, Ta, W, Ti, Al, Zr, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ru, Co, Rh, Ni, Pd, Pt, Sb, Bi, B and Ce,______________________________________ when a = 1, b = 0.01 to 1.0, c = 0.01 to 1.0, x = 0.01 to 1.0, ______________________________________and n is a number such that the total valency of the metal elements is satisfied; and(2) the catalyst has X-ray diffraction peaks at the following angles of 2.theta. in its X-ray diffraction pattern: ______________________________________ Diffraction angles of 2.theta. (.degree.) ______________________________________ 22.1 .+-. 0.3 28.2 .+-. 0.3 36.2 .+-. 0.3 45.2 .+-. 0.3 50.0 .+-. 0.3.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for producing a nitrile which comprises subjecting an alkane to a gas-phase catalytic oxidation reaction with ammonia in the presence of a complex oxide solid catalyst composed of molybdenum, vanadium, tellurium and niobium.According to the process of the present invention, it is possible to produce the objective nitrile at a high selectivity without using a halide, water, etc., moreover, at a relatively low temperature of about 350.degree. to 480.degree. C., particularly about 400.degree. to 450.degree. C.