Abstract Oxidation resistance of copper particles modified with one king of mannich base was studied. Anti-corrosion properties were tested by etching copper particles in acid medium, and the results showed that the corrosion of copper particles was effectively inhabited by modification with the mannich base. On the basis of TG-DTA thermal analysis, we found the original copper particles were oxidized at 200 degrees centigrade, while the treated copper particles were oxidized at 300 degrees, 100 degrees higher than the original ones. XPS analysis showed the mannich base improved the oxidation resistance of copper particles by coordinating with Cu2+ to form protective film on the surface of copper particles. To discover the reaction between the manncih base and copper particles, we tried to obtain the reaction product of the mannich base and copper particles, and furthmore prepared the complex of the manncih base and Cu2+. IR and UV-vis spectrum of the complexes showed that the N atom in the manncih base molecular, instead of O atom was the coordinating atom bonded to Cu2+.