One-pot synthesis of perovskite-type metal oxides via confined mesopore and their catalytic activity for toluene oxidation

•LaCoO3 was prepared by a one-pot synthesis via confined mesopore.•LaCoO3 had a high surface area (147m2/g) and a small crystallite size (8nm).•Crystallite size of LaCoO3 could be controlled by pore size of mesostructure.•LaCoO3 had a chemical state to be advantageous in toluene oxidation.•Catalytic activity for toluene oxidation showed a good correlation with surface area.