Compounds with the general formula cis or trans-[Coen 2 (RCOO)2 ]NO3 were prepared by modifications of known procedures; R was H, CH~, C~H s or C3H~, and en was ethylenediamine. The compounds were characterized by TLC and UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and their thermal behaviour was examined via TG and DTA, and via IR spectra on heated samples.The thermal stabilities are discussed in terms of the strengths of the bonds in the solids [1] and steric hindrance; the thermal decompositions are described with the aid of hypothesized intermediates and IR spectra.Reaction steps axe identified and the thermal stability sequence is discussed: the cis compounds are less stable than the corresponding trans compounds, due to the lower reticulation effect; the sequence of the cis compounds is the reverse of the sequence of carboxylate ion basicity, while the sequence displalyed by the trans compounds can be interpreted in terms Of solid lattice stabilization.