An isoalkyl cyclohexane hydroperoxide

The invention comprises isopropyl cyclohexane hydroperoxide and a process for the preparation thereof wherein isopropyl cyclohexane is heated to a temperature of 100 to 135 DEG C. in the presence of molecular oxygen. The process may be carried out in the presence of a substance which provides free radicals under the reaction conditions e.g. p-menthane hydroperoxide or isopropylcyclohexane hydroperoxide or cumene hydroperoxide. The starting material may be obtained by the hydrogenation of cumene. An autoxidation catalyst may be present e.g. an ion containing complex. The process may be carried out in the presence of an inorganic or organic base e.g. pyridine.