Abstract: Cu-MCM-41 catalysts in which the copper content could be up to 26.0% and most of the copper atoms were incorporated into the silica framework were prepared. They exhibited high catalytic activity for direct hydroxylation of benzene with H2O2. Under the optimal reaction conditions, a 52.9% conversion of benzene and 31.2% yield of phenol were obtained, which was higher than the catalysts reported in the literature using other mesoporous materials with low copper content. The influence of various reaction parameters such as the copper content, the molar ratio of H2O2/benzene, the amount of catalyst, solvents, and the reaction temperature on the catalytic activity was studied and discussed in accordance with the reaction mechanism.

Key words: Cu-MCM-41 molecular sieve, benzene, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxylation, phenol