The oxidation of 2-hexen-1-ol and 1-hexen-3-ol with air has been studied using supported gold, palladium and gold–palladium catalysts. The main aim was to determine if either the alcohol or alkene functional group can be oxidised selectively. However, based on the reaction products observed (2-hexen-1-ol forms 2-hexene, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-3-hexen-1-ol, 4-hexen-1-ol and (E)-2-hexanoic acid. 1-Hexen-3-ol forms 1-hexene, 3-hexanone, 1-hexen-3-one and 3-hexenol), the main pathway in these reactions is isomerisation and, in addition, significant yields of the products are due to a disproportionation reaction. Controlling the selectivity in molecules with multiple function groups by manipulating the catalyst composition and reaction conditions can promote or hinder the various reaction pathways, thereby increasing the selectivity to the desired oxidation products.