Preprepared nanometals stabilized by surfactants may be used as precursors for a new type of heterogeneous catalyst. Independent of the support these mono-or plurimetallic precursors may be optimized dependent on the size, composition, and structure of the particles. Further, the active metal surface may be shielded against poisons by the protective shed.-In addition, doping agents may be used in older to enhance the catalytic performance. The cia-selective partial hydrogenation of 3-hexyn-1-ol giving leaf alcohol, a valuable fragrance, and the selective oxidation of glucose giving sodium gluconate are current examples for the application of supported nanometal colloids in fine chemicals catalysis.