The catalytic activity of {[Fe(mebpa)Cl](2)O}(ClO4)(2) (1) (mebpa = N-(2-methoxyethyl)-NN-bis(pyridin-2-yl-methyl)amine) with H2O2 for the functionalization of alkanes and alkenes has been investigated. The experimental results show that compound I is stable during the catalytic cycle and it is an efficient catalyst for cyclohexane oxidation leading to an alcohol:ketone ratio of 3.5. Compound 1 is also found to be an active and selective catalyst for the epoxidation of alkenes. In all cases, the catalytic efficiency is strongly dependent on the presence of additives and the reaction conditions. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.