Cr-P alloys being new materials of great importance in futuristic activities of metal finishing industries, are developed by electroless plating from a bath solution containing reducing agent NaH2PO2, Cr3+ ions and KCNS as a complexing agent under acidic condition. Electronic absorption spectra of bath solution indicated the formation of a metal-complex of octahedral geometry. Microstructure, surface morphology and corrosion resistance of the coated alloys depend on bath components, bath composition and alloy composition and heat treatment of the coating. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.