Abstract: A method of effecting a reaction between oxygen and an organic substance comprising the stages of:a. forming a reaction mixture comprising an N-alkylpyrrolidinone, at least one organic substance capable of reaction with oxygen and a hydroperoxide decomposition catalytically effective amount of a transition metal oxidation catalyst under a partial pressure of oxygen of at least about 16 psig, the molar ratio of organic substance to N-alkylpyrrolidinone being at least about 1:100;b. subjecting the reaction mixture to conditions such that an oxidation reaction occurs, whereby:(1) at least a portion of the N-alkylpyrrolidinone is oxidized, in situ, to the corresponding hydroperoxide;(2) the hydroperoxide is subsequently decomposed by the catalytic action of the transition metal oxidation catalyst to the corresponding N-alkylsuccinimide, the decomposition resulting in the production of active oxygen which reacts with the organic substance;c.