Molybdena (MoO3) and molybdates of bismuth (Bi2Mo3O12), chromium (Cr2Mo3O12). barium (BaMoO4), manganese (MnMoO4) and copper (Cu3Mo2O9) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray powder diffractometry and infrared spectroscopy. They were then assessed as 'loose contact' catalysts for soot deep oxidation (combustion) in air by thermogravimetry. A similar assessment was carried out on commercial chromia (Cr2O3) and tungsta (WO3). Observed high oxidation activity of MoO3, as compared to both Cr2O3 and WO3, is attributed to the higher volatility (mobility) of MoOx species. On similar grounds, observed high activity of MoO3 and Cu3Mo2O9, as compared to the other test molybdates, is explained. Relatively speaking, however, a higher activity was observed for Cu3Mo2O9 than MoO3, whereby soot ignition temperature decreased from 571 degrees C (uncatalyzed oxidation) to 430 degrees C, to occur within the temperature range of diesel exhaust (200-450 degrees C). This observation is ascribed to copper-promoted redox conduct of Mo(VI) in the oxidation reaction of soot. Kinetics of the reaction was studied non-isothermally, and the kinetic parameters (A, k, Delta E and the reaction order) were calculated.