L1(0)-type Co100-xPtx single crystals were prepared by atomic ordering under compressive stress and the magnetic properties were investigated. The second order magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant K-1 at 298 K exhibits a maximum value of 4.1 x 10(7) erg cm(-3) at x = 50. On the other hand, the fourth order magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant K-2 becomes minimum at the same composition. The large uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant K-U with a low saturation magnetization M-S in L1(0)-type Co100-xPtx would bring about the thermal stability of the single magnetic domain state, as well as the sharp coherent magnetization reversal. (c) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.