Platinum-antimony and platinum-bismuth deposited on activated carbon were prepared by various methods. The materials were characterized by nitrogen physisorption, X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The samples were tested as catalysts for the selective oxidation of cinnamyl alcohol to cinnamaldehyde, using H2O2 as the oxidant. 5%Pt-5%Sb/C shows selectivities in excess of 98 % in both water and toluene as the reaction medium. In comparison, state-of-the art bismuth catalysts give selectivities of 73-95 % (in water) and 84 % (in toluene).