Mesoporous carbon with narrow pore size distribution was novelly derived from rare earth-macromolecule complexes, which were formed by the coordination between grafted novolac-type phenolic resin and rare earth ions (Ce(3+)). The as-made resins or carbons were characterized by infrared spectrum, thermogravimetry, carbon tetrachloride adsorption, nitrogen adsorption, and scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the rare earth-macromolecule complexes were formed successfully, which could promote the dispersion of rare earth elements in the precursor and further control the pore structure and pore size distribution of as-made mesoporous carbon during steam-activation process. The as-made mesoporous carbon exhibited typical mesoporous structure and relatively narrow pore size distribution, and the mesoporosity of it was up to 88%. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 121: 3466-3474, 2011