Oxidation of propane by O-2 to acetone was observed in solvent-free BaY and CaY under irradiation with visible light as well as under dark thermal conditions. The reaction was monitored in situ by FT-infrared spectroscopy. In the case of the photochemical oxidation, isopropyl hydroperoxide was detected as reaction intermediate. No byproduct was observed even upon > 50% conversion of the alkane. Ethane was oxidized completely selectively to acetaldehyde in CaY under irradiation with blue light.