The kinetics of the liquid-phase oxidation of cyclooctene by molecular oxyg
en in the presence of a MnO2 catalyst is studied. It is found that MnO2 is
an initiator of this reaction and has no effect on the steps of chain propa
gation and termination. The oxidation occurs by a radical chain mechanism w
ith the escape of radicals to the bulk of the reaction mixture. Radicals ar
e formed by the interaction of the olefin with the solid catalyst surface.
The kinetic parameters of the reaction are calculated.