A TiO2 supported Ir catalyst prepared by the conventional impregnation method exhibited efficient catalytic activity toward the oxidation of organic compounds with molecular oxygen. Aromatic alcohols and alkylarenes selectivity afforded the corresponding carbonyl compounds in high yield under mild conditions. The reaction was quenched by removing the catalyst with filtration suggesting that the catalytic reaction proceeded heterogeneously. The highly dispersed Ir metal particles on TiO2 surface was considered to be responsible for the catalysis. (C) 2010 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.