The reaction of methoxy-modified kaolinite with 1,2- and 1,3-butanediols yielded two types of kaolinite-organic nanohybrids. The XRD, IR, and TG-DTA data showed that both diols were grafted onto the hydroxyl groups in the interlayer surfaces of kaolinite. The C-13 MAS NMR and CHN results indicated that the reaction proceeded by transesterification with methoxy groups and further esterification with hydroxyl groups. The IR spectra also showed that the interlayer environments are different between the two systems depending on the location of hydroxyl groups in diols. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.