Hydrogen peroxide and Pt activated mixture of gaseous O-2 and H-2 have been applied to oxidation of aromatic compounds in the presence of redox active heteropoly compounds in the form of acid H4PMo11 VO40 and tetrabuthylammonium (TBA) salts TBA(4)PMo(11)VO(40) and TBA(4)HPW(11)Fe(OH)O-39. Benzene, toluene and phenol were subjected to hydroxylation of the ring, which was accompanied by secondary oxidation in the reaction with hydrogen peroxide. Oxygenation of toluene was equally directed to the ring and to methyl group. The total reactivity of substrates was increased in the order of benzene < toluene < phenol in oxidation by both O-2/H-2 and H2O2. Analysis of products yield and composition indicated the identical nature of active intermediates for both oxidants. It was suggested that HPC bonded radical species are responsible for the oxidation of hydrocarbons. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.