Synthesis and characterization of a mononuclear nickel(II) complex [NiL] · CH3OH (I) and a dinuclear manganese(III) complex [Mn2L2(NCS)2] (II) derived from the bis-Schiff base N,N'-bis(5-methoxysalicylidene)-1,2-ethanediamine (H2L) are reported. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra and molar conductivity. Single crystal X-ray structures of the complexes have been determined (CIF files CCDC nos. 1056778 (I) and 1056688 (II)). The Ni atom in I is in a square planar coordination, and the Mn atom in II is in an octahedral coordination. Catalytic property for epoxidation of styrene by the complexes using PhIO and NaOCl as oxidant has been studied. As a result, complex II is efficient for the styrene epoxidation.