The isobutyronitryl groups from thermal decomposition of azobisisobutyronitrile in a 1,2-dichlorobenzene solution were successfully attached to the sidewalls of single-walled carbon nanotubes; thermogravimetic analysis shows a weight loss of 20% (compared to raw SWNTs), which was calculated to be ca. 1 isobutyronitryl group in 23 carbon atoms. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.