Cerium containing silicates have been synthesized by different procedures and characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and Nz-physisorption. The silicates are efficient catalysts for the selective oxidation of cyclohexane with tert-butyl hydroperoxide under mild conditions. Cyclohexane conversions higher than 12% can be obtained, using acetone as solvent and the only products formed are cyclohexanone, cyclohexanol and cyclohexyl hydroperoxide. Peroxide efficiencies exceed 100% and indicate that molecular oxygen is the ultimate oxidant.