First row transition metal oxides supported on carbonaceous materials an shown to be effective in the low temperature deep oxidation of hexane, butane and toluene to carbon dioxide and water. The oxides of manganese, cobalt, copper and zinc were supported on several different types of carbon, out of which it was found that manganese and cobalt oxide supported on Ambersorb(R) 572 were most durable. In addition, Ambersorb(R) 563 and Ambersorb(R) 572 were thermally stable under the reaction conditions. Mechanistic studies in cobalt oxide/Ambersorb(R) 572 indicate a synergism between the metal oxide and carbonaceous material. A catalytic cycle has been described, involving a Co-II/Co-III couple, and the stabilizing effect of the support on the reduced form of the metal oxide.