Gold supported on iron oxy-hydroxides: a versatile tool for the synthesis of fine chemicals

A comprehensive overview on gold supported on iron oxy-hydroxides as tool for the synthesis of fine chemicals is given. We will discuss on the catalytic activity of gold supported on iron oxy-hydroxides in several reactions of potential industrial interest, comprising the selective oxidation of primary alcohol to aldehyde, the selective reduction of alpha,beta unsaturated aldehydes and ketones to the corresponding (alpha,beta unsaturated alcohols. Furthermore, a significant application of gold supported on iron oxy-hydroxides is the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from H-2 and O-2. The versatility showed by Au supported on oxy-hydroxides catalysts is an aspect of great importance for industrial applications.