The perovskite La0.6Sr0.4B0.2Fe0.8O3 - delta (B = Ti, Cr, Co) powders have been synthesized by the citrate gel method. Structural, reduction-tolerant, and sintering properties of the perovskite La(0.6)Sr(0.4)B(0.2)Fe(0.8)0O(3 - delta) (B = Ti, Cr, Co) oxides were studied by x-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The enhanced structural stability of the Co-free La0.6Sr0.4B0.2Fe0.8O3 - delta (B = Cr, Ti) oxides is ascribed to the higher metal-oxygen bonding energy of the Ti and Cr cations in the oxides. Electrical conductivities of the sintered La0.6Sr0.4B0.2Fe0.8O3 - delta (B = Ti, Cr, Co) ceramics were measured, and increased as B = Co > Cr > Ti among the La0.6Sr0.4B0.2Fe0.8O3 - delta oxides. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.