PURPOSE: To produce an α,β-unsaturated nitrile by subjecting ammonia, propane or butane and an oxygen-containing gas to vapor-phase contact reaction.

CONSTITUTION: Ammonia oxidation method by using a catalyst which contains a composition shown by the general formula AaBdCcPdEeOg (A is one or more elements selected from In and Sn, B is one or more elements selected from V, W and Mo, C is more or more elements selected from Bi and Pb, P is phosphorus, E is one or more elements selected from Fe, Co and Ni and O is oxygen; (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) are atomic ratio of each element and when (a) is regarded as a base and is 1, b=0.1-10, c-0.1-10, d=0.1-10, e=0-10, f=0-10 and (g) is atomic ratio of oxygen required for satisfying valence of each component).