Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a mixture of alcohols and ketones by the liquid phase oxidation of isoalkanes to alkyl hydroperoxides with simultaneous transfer of oxygen to alkanes (C8-C20) in presence of oxides alkaline earth metals like magnesium, calcium, barium and strontium and oxides of rare earth metals such as lanthanum, cerium, samarium, neodymium and europium, at a temperature ranging between 110°-160° C. and air pressure ranging between 10-1500 psig for a period of 0.5-20 h, cooling the reaction mixture to 5° C., separating the products by conventional methods such as distillation. The catalyst reused for several times without affecting its catalytic performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a mixture of alcohols and ketones by the liquid phase oxidation of isoalkanes to alkyl hydroperoxides with simultaneous transfer of oxygen to alkanes (C8-C20) in presence of oxides alkaline earth metals like magnesium, calcium, barium and strontium and oxides of rare earth metals such as lanthanum, cerium, samarium, neodymium and europium, at a temperature ranging between 110 °-160° C. and air pressure ranging between 10-1500 psig for a period of 0.5-20 h, cooling the reaction mixture to 5° C., separating the products by conventional methods such as distillation. The catalyst reused for several times without affecting its catalytic performance.