Flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) was utilized to synthesize Ce–Mn oxides in one step for catalytic oxidation of benzene. Cerium acetate and manganese acetate were used as precursors. The materials synthesized were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), N 2 adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and H 2 -temperature programmed reduction (H 2 -TPR) and their benzene catalytic oxidation behavior was evaluated. Mn ions were evidenced in multiple chemical states. Crystalline Ce–Mn oxides consist of particles with size <40nm and specific surface areas (SSA) of 20–50m 2 /g. Raman spectrums and H 2 -TPR results indicated the interaction between cerium and manganese oxides. Flame-made 12.5%-Ce–Mn oxide exhibited excellent catalytic activity at relatively low temperatures (T 95 about 260°C) compared to other Ce–Mn oxides with different cerium-to-manganese ratios. Redox mechanism and strong interaction conform to structure analysis that Ce–Mn strong interaction formed during the high temperature flame process and the results were used to explain catalytic oxidation of benzene.