(FR2699428-A1)      Catalyst mfr comprises reacting a vanadium cpd with a phosphoric acid at a temp of 0-200 deg C in the presence of a glycol ether solvent, then eliminating the solvent.    Also claimed are (i) the mfr as above but including activation of the catalyst by the addn of butane or any other hydrocarbon feedstock and a phosphorus cpd at a temp of 300-500 deg C; (ii) the mfr where V and H3PO4 are slurried with a glycol ether solvent; the slurry is refluxed at 0-200 deg C for 0.5-6 hrs to reduce V from (V) to (IV); drying to remove solvent; shaping the catalyst in a geometric shape; and activating; and (iii) the mfr of maleic anhydride by oxidising butane at elevated temp in the presence of the catalyst above.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the mfr of alkyd resins and is a versatile intermediate for chemical synthesis. The prodn of the catalyst has improved efficiency and cost with no chlorinated hydrocarbon by-prods as in prior art. The catalyst can be activated quickly and gives improved maleic anhydride yields.    (BE1007685-A5)      Catalyst mfr comprises reacting a vanadium cpd with a phosphoric acid at a temp of 0-200 deg C in the presence of a glycol ether solvent, then eliminating the solvent.    Also claimed are (i) the mfr as above but including activation of the catalyst by the addn of butane or any other hydrocarbon feedstock and a phosphorus cpd at a temp of 300-500 deg C; (ii) the mfr where V and H3PO4 are slurried with a glycol ether solvent; the slurry is refluxed at 0-200 deg C for 0.5-6 hrs to reduce V from (V) to (IV); drying to remove solvent; shaping the catalyst in a geometric shape; and activating; and (iii) the mfr of maleic anhydride by oxidising butane at elevated temp in the presence of the catalyst above.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The maleic anhydride is used for the mfr of alkyd resins and is a versatile intermediate for chemical synthesis. The prodn of the catalyst has improved efficiency and cost with no chlorinated hydrocarbon by-prods as in prior art. The catalyst can be activated quickly and gives improved maleic anhydride yields.    (US5792722-A)      Catalyst mfr comprises reacting a vanadium cpd with a phosphoric acid at a temp of 0-200 deg C in the presence of a glycol ether solvent, then eliminating the solvent.    Also claimed are (i) the mfr as above but including activation of the catalyst by the addn of butane or any other hydrocarbon feedstock and a phosphorus cpd at a temp of 300-500 deg C; (ii) the mfr where V and H3PO4 are slurried with a glycol ether solvent; the slurry is refluxed at 0-200 deg C for 0.5-6 hrs to reduce V from (V) to (IV); drying to remove solvent; shaping the catalyst in a geometric shape; and activating; and (iii) the mfr of maleic anhydride by oxidising butane at elevated temp in the presence of the catalyst above.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The maleic anhydride is used for the mfr of alkyd resins and is a versatile intermediate for chemical synthesis. The prodn of the catalyst has improved efficiency and cost with no chlorinated hydrocarbon by-prods as in prior art. The catalyst can be activated quickly and gives improved maleic anhydride yields.