Copper catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions have gained significant attention due to the versatility of copper in accessing multiple oxidation states and its ability to facilitate both one- and two-electron processes. Oxygen, as a highly atom-efficient and environmentally benign oxidant, is ideal for these reactions. However, the use of oxygen in batch reactors requires careful control of oxygen concentrations to prevent flammable mixtures. Alternative approaches, such as using carbon dioxide as a diluent or employing flow technologies, have been developed to enhance safety and efficiency. Copper-based enzymatic systems, which mimic natural processes, have inspired the development of small molecule catalysts that can perform similar functions. These systems have been widely applied in industrial processes, leading to a surge in research on copper catalyzed oxidation chemistry. Benzylic oxidation is particularly effective due to the weaker benzylic C–H bond, allowing for milder reaction conditions. Copper catalysts have been used to oxidize various benzylic substrates, including acidic and unactivated positions, with high selectivity and efficiency. The oxidation of substrates like nitrotoluene and xanthene has been demonstrated, with copper catalysts showing promising results. However, achieving broad substrate compatibility and high selectivity remains a challenge. Alkane oxidation using copper catalysts is more demanding due to the stronger C–H bond, requiring more forcing conditions. Despite this, copper catalysts have been used to convert alkanes into their oxygenated analogs, such as cyclohexane to cyclohexanone. The mechanism involves hydrogen abstraction, radical formation, and subsequent oxidation to form ketones or alcohols. The use of peroxide initiators and flow reactors has improved the efficiency and selectivity of these reactions. Alkene oxidation presents unique challenges, particularly in avoiding competitive reactions like epoxidation. Copper catalysts have been used to achieve selective oxidation of alkenes, with some examples showing high selectivity and efficiency. The use of aldehyde cooxidants and peroxide initiators has been explored to enhance the reaction outcomes. Epoxidation of alkenes using copper and oxygen has been shown to be effective, with some systems achieving high selectivity and conversion. Oxidative difunctionalization of alkenes involves the addition of heteroatom-copper species across the double bond, followed by oxidative displacement. This process has been applied to various substrates, including disulfides and diselenides, with copper catalysts showing promising results. The mechanism involves copper coordination, nucleophilic attack, and subsequent oxidation to form the desired products. Overall, copper catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions offer a versatile and efficient approach to functionalizing hydrocarbons, with ongoing research aimed at improving selectivity, efficiency, and scalability. The development of non-enzymatic copper catalysts and the exploration of new reaction conditions continue to advance this field.Copper catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions have gained significant attention due to the versatility of copper in accessing multiple oxidation states and its ability to facilitate both one- and two-electron processes. Oxygen, as a highly atom-efficient and environmentally benign oxidant, is ideal for these reactions. However, the use of oxygen in batch reactors requires careful control of oxygen concentrations to prevent flammable mixtures. Alternative approaches, such as using carbon dioxide as a diluent or employing flow technologies, have been developed to enhance safety and efficiency. Copper-based enzymatic systems, which mimic natural processes, have inspired the development of small molecule catalysts that can perform similar functions. These systems have been widely applied in industrial processes, leading to a surge in research on copper catalyzed oxidation chemistry. Benzylic oxidation is particularly effective due to the weaker benzylic C–H bond, allowing for milder reaction conditions. Copper catalysts have been used to oxidize various benzylic substrates, including acidic and unactivated positions, with high selectivity and efficiency. The oxidation of substrates like nitrotoluene and xanthene has been demonstrated, with copper catalysts showing promising results. However, achieving broad substrate compatibility and high selectivity remains a challenge. Alkane oxidation using copper catalysts is more demanding due to the stronger C–H bond, requiring more forcing conditions. Despite this, copper catalysts have been used to convert alkanes into their oxygenated analogs, such as cyclohexane to cyclohexanone. The mechanism involves hydrogen abstraction, radical formation, and subsequent oxidation to form ketones or alcohols. The use of peroxide initiators and flow reactors has improved the efficiency and selectivity of these reactions. Alkene oxidation presents unique challenges, particularly in avoiding competitive reactions like epoxidation. Copper catalysts have been used to achieve selective oxidation of alkenes, with some examples showing high selectivity and efficiency. The use of aldehyde cooxidants and peroxide initiators has been explored to enhance the reaction outcomes. Epoxidation of alkenes using copper and oxygen has been shown to be effective, with some systems achieving high selectivity and conversion. Oxidative difunctionalization of alkenes involves the addition of heteroatom-copper species across the double bond, followed by oxidative displacement. This process has been applied to various substrates, including disulfides and diselenides, with copper catalysts showing promising results. The mechanism involves copper coordination, nucleophilic attack, and subsequent oxidation to form the desired products. Overall, copper catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions offer a versatile and efficient approach to functionalizing hydrocarbons, with ongoing research aimed at improving selectivity, efficiency, and scalability. The development of non-enzymatic copper catalysts and the exploration of new reaction conditions continue to advance this field.