The use of the thermolytic molecular precursor (TMP) method for the generation of multicomponent oxide materials is reviewed with emphasis on the generation of catalysts and catalyst support materials. Various adaptations of the TMP method that allow manipulation of catalyst compositions are presented. Further, the generation of isolated catalytic centers via grafting techniques is summarized. The implications for syntheses of new catalysts and catalyst formulations are discussed, and specific examples that involve selective hydrocarbon oxidation catalysts are provided. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.