Catalytic activities of the following oxides: CuO, NiO, Cr₂O₃, V₂O₅, WO₃, Fe₂O₃, SnO₂, TiO₂, MoO₃, Sb₂O₅ have been studied in the process of ethylene glycol oxidation. Based on the analysis of the products one can divide the oxide systems under study into the following groups: deep oxidation of ethylene glycol occurs on CuO, NiO and Cr₂O₃; partial oxidation of ethylene glycol proceeds on V₂O₅, WO₃, Fe₂O₃, SnO₂, TiO₂ to yield formaldehyde, formic and acetic acids and CO; MoO₃, Sb₂O₅ promote etherification and condensation to form ethers