The oxidation of phenol in aqueous phase over four different catalysts based on copper has been studied in a basket stirred tank reactor. Runs have been carried out at 140 degreesC and 16 bar of oxygen pressure, with a catalyst loading of 60 g/l and at an initial acidic pH. Phenol, total organic carbon and some intermediates have been measured with the reaction time. The improvement achieved with the catalyst is established by comparison with a blank (reaction without catalyst). The commercial catalyst Engelhard Cu-0203T (CuO, 67-77%, Cu chromite, 20-30%, graphite sint., 1-3%) was found to be the most active catalyst with an acceptable mechanical and chemical stability. Copper leaches from the catalyst are higher when the mineralization of the acid intermediates does not occur (lower values of pH are obtained).