Peripherally tetra substituted Co(II) and Fe(II) phthalocyanine complexes bearing (2-{2-[2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenoxy]ethoxy}ethoxy) groups were synthesized using the phthalonitrile derivative 1 and verified by IR, 1H NMR, UV–Vis and mass spectrometry. Catalytic activity of Co(II) and Fe(II) phthalocyanines were investigated in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol with different oxygen sources. Different parameters that effect the oxidation process were examined for finding optimal conditions of catalysis. Co(II) phthalocyanine shows excellent catalytic performance on benzyl alcohol oxidation with high yield and selectivity. It shows that this kind of catalysis system is very active, selective and suitable for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol.