A study has been made of the kinetic relationships governing the oxidation of paraffinic hydrocarbon dodecane (RH) (140 degrees C) with additions of cationic surface-active substance (SAS) cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and anionic SASs sodium dodecylsulphate (DDS) and sodium bis-(2-ethylhexyl)sulphosuccinate (AOT). In the presence of DDS and CTAB (2.0 x 10(2) mole) there is a reduction in the oxidation rate and in the maximum hydroperoxide concentration. It has been established that additions of DDS and CTAB increase the decomposition rate of ROOH without the formation of free radicals. AOT additions have virtually no effect on the process. Intensification of the inhibiting action of ionol in the presence of DDS was found.