Patent ID: 7538059

Claim:
A process for regenerating a mixed metal oxide catalyst, said process comprising the steps of: (a) providing a mixed metal oxide having the empirical formula A a V b N c X d O e wherein A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mo and W, N is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Te and Se, and X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nb, Ta, Ti, Al, Zr, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ru, Co, Rh, Ni, Pt, Bi, B, In, Ce, As, Ge, Sn, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Hf, Pb, P, Pm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Au, Ag, Re, Pr, Zn, Ga, Pd, Ir, Nd, Y, Sm, Tb, Br, Cu, Sc, Cl, F and I, wherein A, V, N and X are present in such amounts that the atomic ratio of A:V:N:X is a:b:c:d, and wherein, when a=1, b=0.1 to 2, c=0.1 to 1, d=0.01 to 1 and e is dependent on the oxidation state of the other elements; and (b) contacting the mixed metal oxide catalyst at temperatures of from 300° to 600° C. with oxidizing agents selected from the group consisting of: combustion gases, NH 3 , CO 2 , H 2 O, a gaseous stream containing ozone, electrical polarization of catalyst bed in an O 2 -containing atmosphere, electrical current treatment of the catalyst bed, and a gaseous stream of volatile organic peroxides and combinations thereof.