Abstract: The direct oxidation of propane to acrylic acid has become a topic of general interest in catalytic oxidation of light alkanes in recent years. The MoVTeNbOx mixed metal oxide catalysts are considered to be the best catalysts in this catalytic reaction. This article reviews the recent research progress of the factors influencing catalytic properties of the MoVTeNbOx mixed metal oxide catalysts in the direct oxidation of propane to acrylic acid, and introduces the new technology development of light alkanes selective oxidation reaction which can be used in the direct oxidation of propane to acrylic acid.