The metal-ion complexation behavior and catalytic activity of 4 mol % N,N'-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: Cu(II) > Cr(III) > Mn(II) > Co(II) > Fe(III) > Zn(II) > Ni(II). 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. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.