Catalyst and catalyst precursor containing vanadium and antimony

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Disclosed is a method of making a catalyst precursor by reacting the ion VO(O2)+ in aqueous solution with an antimony compound that contains Sb having a valence of 3. In one embodiment, the VO(O2)+ ion is made by reacting H2O2 with a vanadium compound. Also disclosed is making a catalyst by drying and calcining such precursor. When the drying is effected by spray drying a new microspheroidal catalyst is produced. The catalysts useful for ammoxidation of propane are more attrition resistant than catalysts of the same empirical formula made by prior art methods.