Graphite oxide was found to be an effective oxidant for use in a broad range of reactions, including the oxidation of olefins to their respective diones, methyl benzenes to their respective aldehydes, diaryl-methanes to their respective ketones, and various dehydrogenations. The temperatures used in the reactions were typically mild (100-120 degrees C), and the heterogeneous nature of the oxidant facilitated isolation and purification of the desired products. In most cases, no by-products were observed and the desired products were isolated in good to excellent yields.