The application of CuFe2O4 (CFO), a magnetic spinet, in catalytic ozonation for the degradation of phenacetin (PNT) has been investigated. The performance and the mineralization of PNT in CFO catalytic ozonation (CFOO) were compared with the sole ozonation (SOP), respectively. In SOP, the molecular ozone was reacted with PNT fast, but it was less effective for PNT's mineralization. The presence of CFO improved the mineralization significantly. Based on the observed kinetics analysis and effect of radical scavenger, the contribution of molecular ozone or hydroxyl radical for PNT degradation was identified and quantified. Influence of reaction conditions (e.g. [ozone], [catalyst], and solution pH) on the performance of CFOO was evaluated; a predictive empirical model was developed for CFOO. Especially, the degradation pathways of PNT contributed by molecular ozone or hydroxyl radical oxidation have been studied in detail with 23 intermediates identified. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.