The current paper provides an overview of recent and past research activities in the field of microreactors for selective oxidation reactions. The majority of the research efforts are currently focussing on the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide, aldehydes and carboxylic acids and the preferential (selective) removal of carbon monoxide otit of hydrogen rich reaction mixtures. Catalyst development, process optimisation and reactor design are under investigation. Numerous examples demonstrate the advantages of microstructured reactors for the reaction systems envisaged through the improved catalyst utilization, heat management and potential operation under hazardous conditions, especially in the explosive regime. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.