Linear polystyrene-stabilized Pt nanoparticles were prepared using phenylboronic acid and NaBH4 as the reductant. The size of Pt nanoparticles was dependent on the reductant, while the immobilization degree of Pt was not. The resultant polystyrene-stabilized Pt nanoparticles showed high catalytic activity for aerobic alcohol oxidation in water and hydrogen-transfer reduction of olefin, ketone, and nitro group using 2-propanol as a hydrogen donor. The catalyst was recycled without significant loss of activity. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.