The effect of the addition of tetrachloromethane (TCM) into the feedstream for the oxidation of alkanes on various catalysts has been reviewed. In general, the effects of TCM on the activities are roughly classified into the following categories although TCM did not afford advantageous effect over some catalysts. (1) The improvement of the yield of the partial oxidation and/or oxidative dehydrogenation products. (2) The enhancement of the selectivity to the partial oxidation and/or oxidative dehydrogenation products while little or no effect on the conversion of alkanes. (3) The enhancement of the selectivity to the partial oxidation and/or oxidative dehydrogenation products while the decrease of the conversion of alkanes. Possible mechanisms for those categories are suggested.