Limonene oxyfunctionalization over Cu-modified silicates employing hydrogen peroxide and t-Butyl hydroperoxide: Reaction pathway analysis

•Cu-nanostructured solids were successfully synthesized by template-ion exchange.•All solids were active in limonene oxidation with H2O2 and t-butyl hydroperoxide.•The obtained products distribution was heavily influenced by the oxidant used.•Compounds of high added value were formed as major products with H2O2.•A reaction mechanism was proposed for each oxidant employed.