A series of catalysts in which a transition metal (Fe, Co, and Cr) is incorporated into MCM-41, hexagonal mesoporous aluminophosphate (HMA), and AlPO4-5 matrix was prepared and tested for liquid phase oxidation of tetralin using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as an oxidizing agent. In general, chromium-containing catalysts showed higher catalytic activity as well as higher a-tetralone selectivity than iron or cobalt-incorporated catalysts. In addition, HMA proved more effective as a support material than MCM-41. CrHMA was the most active (64.9% conversion) and selective (80% alpha-tetralone selectivity) catalyst, but developed metal leaching due to its amorphous pore walls. CrAIPO(4)-5, having a crystalline structure, showed higher resistance to metal leaching than CrHMA. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.