Spinel-type CoMn₂O₄nano-powders are prepared using sol-gel auto combustion (SGC) and co-precipitation (CP) methods and their catalytic activities are evaluated in combustion of 2-propanol and toluene. The chemical-physical properties of the oxides are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N₂-adsorption-desorption, temperature programmed reduction (TPR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After calcination at 700°C, CoMn₂O₄-SGC shows higher amounts of the normal-type spinel phase and is more crystalline than CoMn₂O₄-CP. Higher calcination temperatures (850°C) do not affect very much the weight percentage of the normal-type spinel phase; although the crystal size slightly increased. The TPR analysis evidences a large number of Mn³⁺ cations in CoMn₂O₄-SGC compared to CoMn₂O₄-CP. This difference, together with the higher surface area, could justify the higher activity of CoMn₂O₄-SGC in both the investigated reactions.