Abstract: A non-cyclic branched aliphatic hydrocarbon (e.g., isobutane) is oxidized with oxygen in the presence of an oxidation catalyst comprising an imide compound of the following formula (1) (e.g., N-hydroxyphthalimide) or an oxidation catalyst comprising the imide compound and a co-catalyst (e.g., a transition metal compound of selected from Group 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8 and 1B elements of the Periodic Table of elements), for the formation of an oxide (e.g., t-butanol, acetone): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent a substituent such as a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may together form a double bond or an aromatic or non-aromatic 5- to 12-membered ring, X is O or OH, and n is 1 to 3.

Abstract: An ether is oxidized with oxygen under an oxidation catalyst comprising an imide compound (such as N-hydroxyphthalimide) or the imide compound and a co-catalyst to produce the corresponding chain or cyclic ester or anhydride. The co-catalyst may be a transition metal compound. The above process provides a process for oxidizing an ether by oxygen efficiently to produce the corresponding oxide (such as an ester, an hydride) with high conversion and selectivity.

Abstract: A substrate (e.g., a cycloalkane, a polycyclic hydrocarbon, an aromatic compound having a methyl group) is oxidized with oxygen in the presence of an oxidation catalytic system comprising an imide compound of the following formula (1) (e.g., N-hydroxyphthalimide) and a co-catalyst containing a element selected from Group 3 to 12 elements (in particular, Group 4 to 11 elements) of the Periodic Table of Elements. The co-catalyst comprises a compound containing plural elements (except heteropolyacid and a combination of Group 7 and 8 elements of the Periodic Table of Elements), and is useful for the formation of an oxide (e.g., a ketone, an alcohol, a carboxylic acid): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent a substituent such as a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may together form a double bond or an aromatic or nonaromatic 5- to 12-membered ring, X is O or OH, and n is 1 to 3.

Abstract: The method provides nitro compounds at a high conversion and selectivity by nitrating substrates under comparatively mild conditions in the absence of catalysts. Organic substrates are nitrated using no catalysts or ozone, but using (1) at least one nitrogen compound selected from N.sub.2 O or NO and oxygen. It is advantageous for the nitration reaction to employ a nitrogen compound obtained by a reaction of the nitrogen compound with oxygen, particularly a nitrogen oxide comprising N.sub.2 O.sub.3 as a main component. Additionally, organic substrates are nitrated using (2) NO.sub.2. The substrates include a compound having a methine-carbon atom, and a compound having a methyl group or methylene group in an adjacent position to an aromatic ring.