Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for the preparation of maleic anhydride by reacting a hydrocarbon having at least four carbon atoms in a straight chain with molecular oxygen in a catalytic reactor, the reactor comprising a fixed catalyst bed having active sites comprising a vanadium-phosphorus-oxygen catalyst for the catalytic oxidation of the hydrocarbon to maleic anhydride, said process further comprising the continuous or intermittent introduction of a phosphorus-containing agent to the reactor. The introduction of the phosphorus-containing agent into the maleic anhydride production system is controlled so to provide for a more uniform distribution of the phosphorus-containing agent throughout the reactor. The methods of the invention are effective to reduce deposits of the phosphorus-containing agent or decomposition products of the phosphorus-containing agent on reactor surfaces other than the catalytic bed thereby decreasing reactor maintenance and increasing reactor lifetime.