The catalytic properties of MoVTeNbO catalysts during the selective oxidation of short chain alkanes and olefins (C-2-C-4) have been comparatively studied The main reaction products have been ethylene from ethane acrylic acid from propane maim anhydride from n-butane and methacrolein from isobutane FTIR studies of the adsorption of the main reaction products i e olefins and aldehydes over MoVTeNbO catalyst has been carried out Accordingly the reaction pathway is explained on the basis of the characteristics of the alkane fed the stability and reactivity of both the intermediates and the reaction products and the nature of the catalytic sites involved in each reaction (C) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved