La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 +/-delta (LSM) powders were prepared by a Pechini-type polymerizable complex process and by amorphous citrate technique. Both processes involve the complexation of the LSM cations from their nitrates or carbonates. The aim of this work is to determinate the differences between the powers obtained by these techniques. The powders synthesized by the Pechini-type process were calcined between 500 degrees C and 1100 degrees C. The powders prepared by amorphous citrate technique were calcined at 900 degrees C. No contamination of either of the powders was observed by X ray fluorescence analysis. X ray diffraction results showed that a perovskitetype structure phase was obtained. BET results showed that the specific surface areas of the powders prepared by the polymerizable complex process and the amorphous citrate route were 6.6 m(2)g(-1) and 5.7 m(2)g(-1), respectively.