Many chemical processes can be modeled as Wiener models, which consist of a linear dynamic subsystemfollowed by a static nonlinear block. In this paper, an effective discrete-time adaptive control method is proposed for Wiener nonlinear systems with uncertainties. The parameterization model is derived based on the inverse of the nonlinear function block. The adaptive control method is motivated by self-tuning control and is derived from a modified Clarke criterion function, which considers both tracking properties and control efforts. The uncertain parameters are updated by a recursive least squares algorithm and the control law exhibits an explicit form. The closed-loop system stability properties are discussed. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained results, two groups of simulation examples including an application to composition control in a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) system are studied. (C) 2016 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press. All rights reserved.