Series of catalysts comprising of parent phosphotungstate (PW12) and mono lacunary phosphotungstate (PW11) anchored to different mesoporous materials (MCM-41 and MCM-48) were prepared. Environmentally benign oxidation of alkenes and alcohols were carried out with H2O2 and molecular oxygen as oxidants. The influence of different parameters on the conversion as well as the selectivity was investigated. Comparative study was ascertained over anchored parent, lacunary phosphotungstates as active species and the supports. The kinetic and thermodynamic studies were correlated with the effect of support as well as active species. Moreover, the catalysts could be recovered and reused four times without significant loss in their activity and selectivity.