The catalytic activity of divinyl benzene crosslinked polystyrene supported beta-diketone linked Ni(II) and Pd(II) complexes in aromatic coupling and substitution reactions have been investigated. The course of the reaction was found to be influenced by the presence of oxidant, degree of crosslinking of the polymer matrix, distance between the polymer matrix and the metal complex, and structural environment of the ligand. A suitable mechanism is also proposed. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.