AbstractThe reaction velocity of the oxidation of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone with nitric acid (without a catalyst) can be calculated from the chromato‐graphically measured change in the concentration of some of the reaction products: nitrolic acid and adipic acid.The oxidation reaction appeared to be first order in cyclohexanone, which rapidly forms in the oxidation of cyclohexanol. The oxidation rate can be calculated by means of a simple empiric formula.The catalysts NH4VO3 and Cu(NO3)2 do not affect the oxidation rate proper. The rate at which Dione decomposes into adipic acid (kv) in the presence of vanadate can be calculated from the increase of the adipic acid concentration. If vanadate is absent, an impression of the rate at which Dione is further oxidized into by‐products (kH) can be obtained from the increase of the glutaric acid and succinic acid concentrations.