In the first process, the KA is oxidized with 60% HNO, at 50-80°C and atmospheric pressure in the presence Of the catalysts cited. The selectivity to adipic acid is up td 96%. In the course of the reaction, the cyclohexanol is first oxidized to cyclohexanone, which then - after a-nitrosation to the intermediate 2-nitrosocyclohexanone - is further oxidized. A mixture of nitrogen oxides which can be reoxidized to HNO, is emitted from the HNO,.