The use of gold on promoting PGM (platinum group metal) catalysts for the selective oxidation of various primary alcohols under mild conditions was investigated. Au/Pd and Au/Pt catalysts showing a single alloyed phase were prepared. It was found that using these bimetallic catalysts instead of monometallic ones caused a significant change in activity in the liquid-phase oxidation of alcohols. Au/Pd catalyst showed a positive synergistic effect; Au/Pt, a negative one. By using aqueous solvent instead of organic solvent (toluene), activity was enhanced for both Au/Pd and Au/Pt catalysts, with some changes in selectivity as well. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.