The preparation of a series of mesoporous tungsten oxide-silica mixed oxides by sol-gel methods under basic conditions is reported. Surface modification with methyl and 3-chloropropyl groups is possible in an amount between 10 and 40 mol% with respect to the silane precursor. The amount of polar organic functional groups controls the surface area, the porosity, and the catalytic activity of the solids in the oxidation of different substrates with hydrogen peroxide. The oxidation of geraniol is studied in detail. The catalysts are active and produce epoxides in good yields. The latter are influenced by the presence of polar organic groups. The preparation method allows the preparation of catalysts that are resistant to leaching and can be recycled several times without appreciable loss of activity. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Inc.