The present invention provides a novel process for producing 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1,4-dione (keto-isophorone) by catalytic oxidation of 3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexa-3-ene-1-one (β-isophorone) with hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. In particular, the novel process includes phase transfer reagent in a biphasic system including an organic phase and an aqueous phase wherein the biphasic system includes 1) a tungsten polyoxyometallate as catalyst and hydrogen peroxide, and/or 2) a mixture of a) a mineral acid, b) hydrogen peroxide, and c) a metal tungstate.