The present study focuses on the smooth oxidation of benzyl alcohol by air in a vapor phase process affording benzaldehyde with high selectivity and yield, using mono- and bimetallic gold-copper on silica catalyst. Particularly efficient was the catalyst 1% Au-Cu/SiO2 with the weight ratio Au/Cu = 4. leading to perfume-grade, acid-free benzaldehyde in over 98% yield. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.