This invention relates to the field of heterogeneous catalysis, and more particularly to catalysts including carbon supports having formed thereon compositions which comprise a transition metal in combination with nitrogen and/or carbon. The invention further relates to the fields of catalytic oxidation and dehydrogenation reactions, including the preparation of secondary amines by the catalytic oxidation of tertiary amines and the preparation of carboxylic acids by the catalytic dehydrogenation of alcohols.