Abstract. Kinetic and mechanistic studies of the oxidation of aliphatic aldehydes, (in organic non-aqueous solvents), were discussed with an emphasis of correlation of structure and reactivity. The reactions were of first order with respect to BIDC and hydrogen-ion. However, Michaelis-Menten type kinetics were observed with respect to aldehyde. The deuterium isotope effect for the oxidation of acetaldehyde (k H /k D = 6.36 at 298 K) indicated an α-C-H bond cleavage in the rate-determining step. Based on kinetic data, analyses of the solvent effect and results of structure-reactivity correlation along with some nonkinetic parameters suggested a mechanism involving rate-determining oxidative decomposition of a aldehyde-BIDC complex via a cyclic transition state to give a carbocationic species through hydride-ion transfer from the aldehyde to the oxidant. (doi: 10.5562/cca1694)