The polarized optical absorption and emission (spectra, decay times) of single crystals of [Pd(thpy) states of symmetry 3B2-stabilized below the exciton band) with LC and MLCT character, respectively. In the Pt compound, the 3B2 is split by spin-orbit coupling into three states. The states B; and A;, which determine the emission properties, are separated by A 3 -13 cm-'. Both states can mix under the influence of an applied magnetic field yielding an increase of the emission intensity by a factor of -1.5 at H = 6 T.,