An effficient method to functionalize single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with alcohols under microwave irradiation was reported. An electrophilic addition reaction took place between a series of alcohols and SWNTs, resulting in the attachment of various alkyl or alcoholic groups, as well as hydroxyl groups, to the surface of the nanotubes. The modified SWNTs show better dispersibility in common organic solvents ( such as N, N-dimethylformamide and ethanol) than the pristine nanotubes, which is important to improve their processability. These results illustrate a direct pathway to abundantly functionalize SWNTs for building nanostructures. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.