The catalytic oxidation of limonene, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene was studied using the complex [Fe-III(BPMP)Cl(mu-O)(FeCl3)-Cl-III] biomimetic to MMO enzyme as catalyst, and hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. The reaction products were identified by gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer detector. Full factorial 2(3) experimental designs were used to assess the influence of reaction time, oxidant and catalyst levels on the reaction conversion. The results indicated that the complex exhibit good catalytic activity towards limonene, beta-pinene and alpha-pinene, where significant conversions were observed. The main products of limonene, beta-pinene and alpha-pinene oxidation were carvone, pinocarvone and verbenone, respectively. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.