This paper reports results of carbonization of synthetic copolymers 4,4'-diphenyl sulfone dimethacrylate (DPS DM) in the presence of iron salts (Fe(NO3)(3) or FeCl3) as catalysts. The synthesized carbon adsorbents have a spherical shape of grains, a high specific surface area and good sorption and mechanical properties. The structural characteristics were studied using the nitrogen, phenol and naphthalene adsorption from gas and liquid phases. The interaction of the organic substances with the synthesized carbons in the aqueous medium depends on the texture of the adsorbents (volume of micro and mesopores, pore size distribution, specific surface area) and the chemical properties (concentrations of functional oxygen-containing groups and mineral admixtures). (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.