We consider the linear stability of a boundary-layer flow over a permeable surface under conditions of intense interfacial mass transfer. The stability of the flow is governed by an eigenvalue problem of Orr-Sommerfeld type coupled to a second-order differential equation for the concentration disturbance field through a flux boundary condition at the permeable surface. Previous studies on this problem have ignored the effect on the stability of the flow of this coupling. Curves of neutral stability and the critical Reynolds number for the flow are obtained. These show that the fully coupled system produce critical Reynolds numbers and wave-numbers that, in some cases, differ significantly from those obtained when the disturbance coupling is ignored. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.