Co-TUD-1, an amorphous sponge-like mesoporous cobalt-containing silicate, was shown to be a very active and selective catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of cyclohexane. In addition, the decomposition of cyclohexyl hydroperoxide (CHHP) was carried out over Co-TUD-1 and it catalysed complete conversion of CHHP with excellent selectivity towards cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone. A stable activity over a period of one week was established for Co-TUD-1 in our rigorous leaching experiments during the continuous decomposition of CHHP. No leaching of the metal could be detected proving the catalyst to be truly heterogeneous. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.