Chloromethylated poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) was modified into coordinating Schiff base bearing ligand which was subsequently complexed with palladium chloride and activated by using sodium borohydride. The polymer-supported palladium complex and activated catalyst were characterized by various techniques such as elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy. IR, far IR spectral studies, SEM and thermogravimetric analysis Surface area measurements by BET method and swelling studies with different solvents for the catalyst were also carried Out. Catalytic activity towards hydrogenation of 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, cyclohexene. norbornadiene (nbd) and 1,5-cyclooctadiene (1,5-cod) was assessed The influence of variation in temperature. pressure, concentration of the catalyst as well as the substrate and the nature of the solvent oil the rate of the reaction was studied for a few olefins Recycling ability of the catalyst was also evaluated (C) 2009 Elsevier B V All rights reserved.