The catalase-like activity of complexes resulting from the interaction between triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate crosslinked polyacrylamide amine and metal ions such as Cu(II), Cr(III), Fe(III), Mn(II) and Pb(II) has been investigated. The decomposition of H2O2 was chosen as a model reaction for this purpose. The percentage conversion of H2O2 was found to be in the order Mn(II) > Cu(II) > Fe(III) > Cr(III) > Pb(II) complexes. The catalytic activity was found to depend upon the initial concentration of H2O2, amount of the complex, temperature and pH of the solution. The activation energy of H2O2 decomposition was calculated to be 10.26 kJ mol(-1). The polymeric metal complex catalysts could be reused four times without any reduction in activity. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.