A tetrameric cubane-like complex [Co-4(mu(3)-O)(4)(mu-C6H5CO2)(4)(4-CNpy)(4)] (I) has been prepared and characterised by various physicochemical techniques. Single crystal X-ray crystallographic studies on an analogous compound [Co-4(mu(3)-O)(4)(mu-CH3CO2)(4)(py)(4)] (II) supports the presence of the [Co-4(III)(mu(3)-O)(4)] cubane core in I. Complex I was examined as a catalyst for the homogeneous air oxidation of alpha-pinene under atmospheric pressure. Both temperature and catalyst concentration affect the reaction rate. High selectivity (62-68%) for alpha-pinene oxide formation is observed. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.