This work deals with the catalytic conversion of benzyl alcohols to aldehydes or ketones using a polymer supported palladium catalyst which formed metal nanoparticles under reaction condition. The oxidation reaction was carried out on a series of substituted benzylic alcohols under air in water. The obtained results showed high selectivity also for the oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes without over-oxidation products. In addition, the catalyst was recycled several times with negligible metal leaching into solution. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.