The cationic complex Mn-III(Salen) is a very effective catalyst for the oxidation of both alpha- and beta-pinene. The higher selectivity towards epoxide formation supports the rebound oxygen mechanism. A turnover of 40 was obtained for both compounds after 16 h of reaction with a molar ratio 1 :0.01 :1 (feedstock:catalyst : iodosobenzene) and conversions between 50 and 60% were observed. A very high selectivity (55%) was determined for epoxide formation from alpha-pinene. The good selectivity observed for myrtanal isomers (6.5 and 23.2%) from beta-pinene is related to the prior formation of the 1,2-epoxides.