Selective hydrogenation of anisol to cyclohexyl methyl ether in 100% yield has been achieved by a new natural polymer catalyst, silica-supported carboxymethyl cellulose-platinum complex (SiO2-CMC-Pt) at 30 degrees C and 1 atm mild reaction conditions. The COO/Pt ratio, temperature and solvent had great influence on the reaction. The catalyst was stable during the reaction, its catalytic properties were little changed after being reused 4 times.