In this work mesoporous niobium phosphate was synthesized hydrothermally by using SDS as the structure directing agent. The catalysts were characterized by N-2 adsorption, DRX, P-31 MAS NMR and FTIR. The activity of commercial and synthesized niobium phosphate catalysts were evaluated through the oxidation of benzyl alcohol and 1-phenylethanol in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Good conversion and selectivity to oxidation products were obtained in mild conditions. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.