Preparation of sec-butylbenzene peroxide (SBBHP) by liquid-phase oxidation of sec-butylbenzene (SBB) in absence of catalyst is a key step in production of phenol and methyl ethyl ketone. Based on free radical chain reaction mechanism of hydrocarbon oxidation, SBB oxidation kinetic model was established under oxygen-enriched and oxygen-limited conditions, including reactant SBB, main product SBBHP, and side products acetophenone (ACP) and 2-phenyl butanol (PBO). Rate constants and activation energies of corresponding elementary steps were obtainedby fitting experimental data at various conditions of 388-403 K. The results showed that, due to steric hindrance effect, activation energy of main reaction of SBB to SBBHP was larger than that of isopropyl benzene (IPB) to IPB hydroperoxide (IPBHP). Continuous process experiments further verified reliability of the kinetic model. These results may be useful for design and optimization of SBB liquid-phase oxidation to SBBHP, and helpful to understand oxidation mechanism of aromatic hydrocarbons. © All Right Reserved.