Abstract: A process for the production of aliphatic or alicyclic monoketones or alicyclic diketones of the formula R1—C(?O)—R2 in which R1 is a linear or branched C1-10-alkyl group and R2 is a linear or branched C1-10-alkyl group or a phenyl group, or R1 or R2 together are —(CH2)m—[C(?O)]n—(CH2)p—, wherein m and p independently are integers from 1 to 4 and n is 0 or 1, thus forming an alicyclic ring together with the carbonyl group of R1—C(?O)—R2 by oxidizing a secondary alcohol of formula R1?—CHOH—R2? in which R1? and R2? either have the same meaning as R1 and R2 above or, if R1 and R2 together are —(CH2)m—[C(?O)]n—(CH2)p—, are together —(CH2)m—(CHOH)n—(CH2)p— wherein m, n and p are as defined above, with a peroxy compound in the presence of a carboxylic acid and a manganese(IV) complex of 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane.

Abstract: Aliphatic or alicyclic monoketones or alicyclic diketones of formula (I): R1—C(═O)—R2, wherein R1 is a linear or branched C1-10-alkyl group and R2 is a linear or branched C1-10-alkyl group or a phenyl group, or R1 and R2 together are —(CH2)m—[C(═O)]n—(CH2)p—, wherein m and p independently are integers from 1 to 4 and n is 0 or 1, thus forming an alicyclic ring together with the carbonyl group of (I), are produced by oxidizing an alcohol of formula (II): R1′—CHOH—R2′, in which R1′ and R2′ either have the same meaning as R1 and R2 above or, if R1 and R2 together are —(CH2)m—[C(═O]n—(CH2)p—, are together —(CH2)m—(CHOH)n—(CH2)p— wherein m, n and p are as defined above, with a peroxy compound in the presence of a carboxylic acid and a manganese(IV) complex of 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane.