Magnetically separable layered double hydroxide MgAl-LDH@Fe3O4 composite supported cobalt phthalocyanine catalyst was synthesized and used for the aerobic oxidation of mercaptans to corresponding disulfides under alkali free conditions. The catalyst exhibited excellent activity for the oxidation of mercaptans using molecular oxygen as an oxidant which can be effectively recovered by using an external magnetic field. In addition, the covalent immobilization of cobalt phthalocyanine to MgAl-LDH@Fe3O4 support prevents the leaching of the catalyst and improves its activity and stability. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.