Complex metal oxides with the structure of spinel type (Me(A)(II))(Me(B)(III))(2)O-4 based on Co, Ni, Cu, Mn, Cr, Al are synthesized by a self-propagating high-temperature synthesis method (SHS). IR spectroscopy and X-ray analysis are used for studying the structure of the oxides. The tests of the catalytic activity of the complex oxides in CO and hydrocarbons oxidation reactions have shown that the Co-Cr-Al complex oxides possess the most activity. Their activity depends on the ratio of Cr and Al in the spinels and increases with the increase of the chromium content. The samples synthesized in the SHS regime are more defective and, as consequence, more active than the samples produced by reaction sintering. The SHS-catalysts have been manufactured as monolith cellular blocks and have been proven in an industrial application. Results of tests of these catalysts for purification of a waste gases are included.