A series of novel beta-naphthol-modified hyper-cross-linked poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) resins were synthesized and the adsorption behaviors of the synthesized resins towards salicylic acid from aqueous solution was investigated. Among the synthesized five resins. HJ-G02 possessed the largest adsorption capacity towards salicylic acid. The molecular form of salicylic acid was favorable for the adsorption and mono-anion of salicylic acid can also be adsorbed by the resin. Low concentration of phenol posed a positive effect while high concentration of phenol posed a negative effect on the adsorption. The isotherms could be fitted by Freundlich model and the kinetic data could be characterized by pseudo-second-order rate equation. The breakthrough point of HJ-G02 towards salicylic acid was 108.8 BV and HJ-G02 could be regenerated by 1% of sodium hydroxide solution. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.