Extremely small-size Au nanoparticles mainly distributed at 1-5 nm were successfully prepared on layered double hydroxide by ion-exchange and reduction procedures (Au/LDH). This catalyst showed superior catalytic properties in aerobic oxidation of a wide range of secondary and primary alcohols under very mild conditions (e.g. 1 atm pressure of oxygen and even at room temperature). In addition, this catalyst is stable and recyclable during oxidations. These advantages are reasonably attributed to the interaction between Au sites and basic LDH. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.