Catalytic air oxidation of the aliphatic hydrocarbons n-decane, hexanes, gasoline and diesel fuel was conducted at ambient temperature with novel iron catalysts. The concentration of n-decane in water was reduced from 1.42 g in 100 ml to 0.07 g in 100 ml in 5 h at room temperature forming carbon monoxide and water by means of intermediate aldehydes. Results of FT-IR and GC-MS analyses demonstrated formation of aldehydes and unsaturated alcohols. Carbon monoxide was detected on catalyst residues and in the vapor phase. The indicated catalytic reaction mechanisms are discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.