A catalyst comprising a complex of catalytic oxides comprising potassium,
cesium, cerium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, iron, bismuth, molybdenum,
wherein the relative ratios of these elements is represented by the
following general formula
A.sub.aK.sub.bCs.sub.cCe.sub.dCr.sub.eCo.sub.fNi.sub.gX.sub.hFe.sub.iBi.s-
ub.jMo.sub.12O.sub.x wherein A is Rb, Na, Li, Tl, or mixtures thereof, X
is P, Sb, Te, B, Ge, W, Ca, Mg, a rare earth element, or mixtures
thereof, a is 0 to about 1, b is about 0.01 to about 1, c is about 0.01
to about 1, d is about 0.01 to about 3, e is about 0.01 to about 2, f is
about 0.01 to about 10, g is about 0.1 to about 10, h is 0 to about 4, i
is about 0.1 to about 4, j is about 0.05 to about 4, x is a number
determined by the valence requirements of the other elements present, and
wherein the catalyst is substantially free of manganese and zinc. The
catalyst is useful in processes for the ammoxidation of an olefin
selected from the group consisting of propylene, isobutylene or mixtures
thereof, to acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile and mixtures thereof,
respectively.