Phase transfer of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) from an aqueous phase into an organic phase is achieved. The transfer uses the hydrogen-bonding interactions between the disaccharide group of a sugar-based amphiphile and oxygenated functional groups on the surface of MWNTs. The dispersion of carbon nanotubes in a wide range of organic solvents is enabled, which represents the first example of solubilization of carbon nanotubes in organic solvents via hydrogen bonding interactions. (c) 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 29973002, 2012