This paper describes the application of P-Mo-V-Nb/SiO 2 catalysts for the selective oxidation of ethyl lactate (EL) to ethyl pyruvate (EP). The P-Mo-V-Nb/SiO 2 catalysts exhibit superior performance for EP selectivity than the corresponding samples of binary V-Nb/SiO 2 ternary P-Mo-V/SiO 2 and P-Mo-Nb/SiO 2 catalysts at same temperatures. The origin of high EP selectivity of the P-Mo-V-Nb/SiO 2 catalysts is explored and attributed to the synergistic effect of P, Mo, V, and Nb mixed oxides presented on the surface of the catalyst. The highly dispersive sites separated active species under the action of phosphorus, suppressing over oxidation and improving the selectivity. The existence of MoO 3 to provide higher oxidation for catalyst. The redox cycle of V and Nb oxides could be completed through electron transfer between lattice oxygen and metal cations. Moreover, the weak acidity of catalyst surface is favorable to avoid the decarboxylation reaction to target a high selectivity of EP. Therefore, the P-Mo-V-Nb/SiO 2 catalyst obtained the maximum yield of 91.8% with a selectivity of 93.8% and a conversion of 99.0% simultaneously at 280 • C.