The catalytic combustion of some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been investigated over LaMnO3 and LaCoO3 perovskite-type oxides. Redox titration has shown that cobalt is present in LaCoO3 exclusively in the 3+ oxidation state whereas LaMnO3 contains considerable amount of Mn4+ (35%) in addition to Mn3+. VOCs reactivity towards total oxidation follows the trend: acetone > isopropanol > benzene. The oxidation of isopropanol occurs through the formation of acetone in the homogeneous reaction. The increase of the oxygen partial pressure is beneficial for total oxidation of acetone. The adsorptive properties of the catalysts towards the VOCs and H-2 have been examined by means of temperature programmed desorption. The LaMnO3 surface is the most reactive to the adsorption of VOCs and H-2. The role of the adsorbed oxygen has been studied by examining the variations of the electrical conductivity of the catalysts during the processes of oxygen adsorption-desorption. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.