The liquid phase oxidation of alpha-pinene in the presence of sodium hydroxide has been studied. Sodium hydroxide exerts an inhibitor effect on the oxidation rate of alpha-pinene but selectivity of the main reaction products, verbenol and verbenone, is increased. A temperature between 90 and 100 degrees C results in the highest selectivity values. The kinetics of alpha-pinene oxidation and formation of verbenol and verbenone have also been studied and a free radical mechanism proposed.