Micron-sized silica gel particles were chemically modified on their surfaces with the coupling agent, gamma-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysi lane (MPS), double bond was introduced onto the surfaces of silica gel particles, and the modified particles MPS-SiO2 were obtained. Then, poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) was grafted from the silica gel surfaces, and grafting particles P4VP/SiO2 was prepared. Finally, the coordination between grafted P4VP and cupric ions Cu2+ Was performed, and the supported complex Cu(II)-P4VP/SiO2 was obtained. The grafting particles P4VP/SiO2 and the supported complex Cu(II)-P4VP/SiO2 were characterized with infrared spectra (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cu(II)-P4VP/SiO2 was used as a catalyst for the oxidation of ethyl benzene into acetophenone with molecular oxygen under ordinary pressure. The experimental results show that the supported complex Cu(II)-P4VP/SiO2 can be successfully prepared via grafting polymerization of 4VP and coordination between the grafted P4VP and cupric ions Cu2+. In oxidation of ethyl benzene into acetophenone by molecular oxygen under ordinary pressure, the supported complex Cu(II)-P4VP/SiO2 displayed high catalytic activity and excellent catalytic selectivity up to more than 98% for the transformation of ethyl benzene to acetophenone. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.