Supported iron(III) ions on neutral gamma-alumina are an efficient catalyst for the oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons with hydrogen peroxide in acetonitrile at 60 degreesC. The catalyst is active in the low temperatue liquid phase oxidation of benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, p-xylene, mesitylene, benzaldehyde, with hydrogen peroxide. Conversions of 31-88% with respect to starting substrate were obtained within 6 h. Oxidation on both the side chain and the aromatic ring of hydrocarbons occurred. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.