ABSTRACT:The metal-ion complexation behavior and catalytic activity of 4 mol % N,NЈ-methylene bisacrylamide crosslinked poly(acrylic acid) were investigated. The polymeric ligand was prepared by solution polymerization. The metal-ion complexation was studied with Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) ions. The metal uptake followed the order:The polymeric ligand and the metal complexes were characterized by various spectral methods. The catalytic activity of the metal complexes were investigated toward the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate (NPA). The Co(II) complexes exhibited high catalytic activity. The kinetics of catalysis was first order. The hydrolysis was controlled by pH, time, amount of catalyst, and temperature.