A series of alkali metal exchanged phosphomolybdic acid catalysts were synthesized by ion exchange, characterized by various physico-chemical techniques and used in the solvent free oxidation of styrene to benzaldehyde. XRD and infrared results showed that the primary structure of the Keggin ion usually present in phosphomolybdic acid is retained after metal exchange. HR-TEM analysis show a well-constructed spherical morphology of the materials with a lower degree of crystalinity. Type IV isotherms with mesoporous structure are observed from nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm studies and ex situ pyridine adsorption experiments reveal that Bronsted acidic sites increased after metal exchange. The K exchanged phosphomolybdic acid catalysts were most efficient in the conversion of styrene to benzaldehyde and the order of reactivity of the alkali metal exchanged phosphomolybdic acid catalysts was K > Rb > Cs. Insight into the reaction pathway by investigating the oxidation styrene oxide was obtained. The results show that phenyl acetaldehyde together with benzaldehyde are produced, providing some evidence that styrene oxidation proceeds via C=C cleavage to selectively produce benzaldehyde. The catalyst was easily recovered and was reused for up to three cycles showing stable activity. [GRAPHICS] .