The catalytically active orthometalated complex [Ru(phpy)(CO)(2)C1](2) (phpy = phenylpyridine) was anchored to macroporous polystyrene beads through the binding of phenylpyridine moiety to the polymer backbone. The catalytic activity of the resulting species towards the reduction of organic nitro compounds, alkenes, alkynes, nitriles, Schiff bases, ketones and aldehydes under high pressure, high temperature conditions in mild coordinating media was found to be comparable to that of its homogeneous analogue in product selectivity but superior in stability and reusability. A tentative reduction mechanism was proposed on the basis of kinetic studies and the isolation of reactive intermediates. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier B.V.