This invention relates to a catalytic composition which comprises a coating of a coating material on a support and is obtainable by applying the coating material, comprising (1) a polycondensate of at least one hydrolysable organosilane and also, if desired, one or more compounds of glass-forming elements, and (2) particles of one or more transition metal oxides, the weight ratio of transition metal oxide particles to polycondensate being from 10:1 to 1:10, to the support and subjecting the applied coating material to thermal treatment. The invention also relates to a process for preparing this catalytic composition and to its use for the purpose of deodorizing or oxidizing organic components or carbon.
