Abstract
We shall review experimental data on the catalytic properties of zeolites towards the oxidation and oxidative dehydrogenation of aliphatic, naphthene, and alkylaromatic hydrocarbons, and of inorganic or organic molecules containing hetero-atoms. The influence of the zeolite structure, of the nature and concentration of the exchangeable cations, and of the valency state of the transition metals on the activity and selectivity of the catalysts will be discussed, together with the effect of these factors on the course of the hydrocarbon oxidation reactions. Specific aspects of the interaction of molecular oxygen and of oxidisable compounds with various zeolites will be examined in the light of ESR, i.r. spectroscopy, and thermal desorption data. We shall show that variations in the structure and composition of the zeolite can lead to different types of reaction, yielding valuable products, and thus confirming the importance of zeolites among oxidation catalysts. 188 references.