Chitosan microsphere-resin supported palladium complex was synthesized and characterized by SEM/EDS, FT-IR, TG/DTA and XPS. The configuration of microsphere with a diameter of 10-100 mu m was exhibited through SEM images. The micro sphere-resin possesses a high thermal stability as proved by the TG/DTA. Some investigations were later carried out on the catalytic properties of the complex for Mizoroki-Heck reaction. lt was found that the complex could not only efficiently catalyze Mizoroki-Heck reaction of iodobenzene with acrylic acid, but it also exhibited catalytic properties for the activated bromobenzene. Surprisingly, the complex was an efficient catalyst in inorganic base and water system, especially, a moderate yield of 76% was obtained by using water as solvent. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.