The biologically active complexes [Cu(CTZ)(4)]Cl-2 (1), [Cu(CTZ)(2)Cl-2](2) (2) and Pd(CTZ)(2)Cl-2 (3) were evaluated as catalyst precursors for the homogeneous oxidation of tetralin under aerobic conditions. The catalytic reaction was carried out using the following conditions determined for [Cu(CTZ)(4)]Cl-2: T = 373 K, P-air = 35.0 atm, substrate/catalyst ratio = 700, reaction time = 9 h. These complexes were effective catalyst precursors for the selective oxidation of tetralin to alpha-tetralone and alpha-tetralol. Copper complexes I and 2 performed better than the palladium complex both in conversion (over 50%) and selectivity towards the production of alpha-tetralone (one/ol = 3). (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.