Abstract: A cobalt (I1) bis-amide chelate, aqua [N, N'-bis (2'-pyridinecarboxamido)-1, 2- benzenelcobalt (II), catalysed oxidation of [Co (bpb) H20,] selectively substituted phenols wrth molecular oxygen to give corresponding 1, 4-benzoquinones. Effect of the solvent on the reaction is studied.