Isolated single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using a liquid precursor (xylene) as a carbon source. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy confirmed the isolated structure of the SWCNTs. Micro-Raman measurements showed a tangential G-band peak (1590cm-1) and radial breathing mode (RBM) peaks (150-240cm-1). The tube diameters determined from the RBM frequencies are in good agreement with those obtained from TEM. The chirality of the isolated SWCNTs could be determined based on the energy of the laser and their diameter. A further preliminary study on the nitrogen doping of isolated SWCNTs was carried out by the simple use of acetonitrile dissolved in the precusor.