Single crystal X-ray structure determinations are described for a number of adducts of 1:2 MX 2 :L stoichiometry, [M = divalent metal (Zn, Cd); X = halide (Cl, Br, I), L = (variously hindered) monodentate nitrogen (pyridine) base: py = pyridine, 2-mpy = 2-methylpyridine, quin = quinoline]: [(2-mpy) 2 ZnX 2 ] (X = Cl, Br) (isotypic, triclinic P1, a ≈ 7.9 6 , b ≈ 8.7, c ≈ 11.4 Å, α ≈ 86, β ≈ 79.3, γ ≈ 67°, Z = 2), [(2-mpy) 2 ZnI 2 ], [(quin) 2 ZnX 2 ] (X = Br) (isotypic with the previously determined chloride, X = Cl, triclinic, P1, a ≈ 8.7, b ≈ 9.6, c ≈ 11.1 Å, α ≈ 81, β ≈ 73, γ ≈ 72°, Z = 2); [(quin) 2 ZnI 2 ]; [(2-mpy) 2 CdX 2 ], X = Br {isotypic with [(2-mpy) 2 ZnX 2 ], X = Cl, Br (above)}, X = I {isotypic with [(2-mpy) 2 ZnI 2 ] (above)}; [(quin) 2 CdI 2 ]. A single molecule, with a four-coordinate quasi-tetrahedral metal atom, N 2 MX 2 , comprises the asymmetric unit of the structure in each of these. A one-dimensional * Prof. G. A. Bowmaker Fax: +64-9-3737422 E-Mail: ga.bowmaker@auckland.ac.nz [a]