The oxygenation of cobalt (II) hydroxamates (CoL2) and its catalytic performance in oxidation of p-xylene to p-toluic acid (PTA) were examined. The effects of X and Y bonded to hydroxamate group on dioxygen affinities and catalytic oxidation performance were also investigated. The oxygen of cobalt (II) hydroxamates (CoL2) and its catalytic performance in oxidation of p-xylene to p-toluic acid (PTA) were examined. The effects of X and Y bonded to hydroxamate group on dioxygen affinities and catalytic oxidation performance were also investigated.