Abstract A convenient and selective oxidation of alcohols with hydrogen peroxide to give aldehydes and ketones has been developed. Using in situ generated iron chloride complexes [Fe (L3) 2 Cl n][n= 0–1, L3= 6-(N-phenylbenzimidazoyl)-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid], aldehydes and ketones were obtained in good yield and excellent selectivity after a short reaction time at room temperature.