Trivalent iron incorporated mesoporous aluminophosphate was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The synthesized mesoporous Fe-AlPO was characterized by using various physico-chemical techniques, which confirm the formation of mesophase as well as the presence of trivalent iron in the framework. Catalytic activity of mesoporous Fe-AlPO was tested for the oxidation of cyclohexane. Trivalent iron incorporated mesoporous aluminophosphate was synthesized and characterized. Activity of Fe-AlPO was tested for aerial oxidation of cyclohexane under autoclave conditions. The results indicated that Fe-AlPO is an active catalyst for oxidation of cyclohexane and the reaction is probably taking place through radical initiated mechanism. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.