Cupric oleate capped AgI (Cu(OA)(2)-AgI) nanoparticles were prepared by a simple method and they have good dispersibility in organic solvents. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), MR, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrometer were used to characterize the Cu(OA)(2)-Agl nanoparticles. The results show that the mean size is about 80 nm; the modified reagent has been chemically bonded on the surface of AgI. In addition, new absorption peaks in the UV region appear. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.