Abstract
Analysis of recent results on the kinetics of the oxidation of model hydrocarbons and carbon-chain polymers in solution and in the solid phase emphasises the common character of the oxidation mechanisms in liquid and solid phases. Detailed consideration is given to specific features of the solid-phase oxidation of polymers consequent on their high molecular mass, inhomogeneity in the solid state, the influence of molecular mobility on the kinetics of radical reactions, and the migration of free electrons. A list of 104 references is included.