Gold nanoparticles supported on nanocrystalline ceria (Au/CeO2) is a general, air-and moisture-stable, commercial catalyst for the atmospheric pressure, solventless oxidation of aromatic, primary and secondary alcohols to the corresponding benzaldehyde or ketone compound. Aliphatic primary alcohols are oxidized to the corresponding alkyl ester and aliphatic secondary alcohols are oxidized to ketones. Conversions and product yields are ...