Oxidation of organic compounds by dioxygen is a phenomenon of exceptional importance in
nature, technology, and life. The liquid-phase oxidation of hydrocarbons forms the basis of
several efficient technological synthetic processes such as the production of phenol via
cumene oxidation, cyclohexanone from cyclohexane, styrene oxide from ethylbenzene, etc.
The intensive development of oxidative petrochemical processes was observed in 1950–1970.
Free radicals participate in the oxidation of organic compounds. Oxidation occurs very often
as a chain reaction. Hydroperoxides are formed as intermediates and accelerate oxidation.
The chemistry of the liquid-phase oxidation of organic compounds is closely interwoven with
free radical chemistry, chemistry of peroxides, kinetics of chain reactions, and polymer
chemistry.