Abstract Mixed ligand complexes of Co(II) and NI(II) with 1,5-dirhethylprrrezole-3-carboxvlic mid (dmpcH) and heterocyclic amines are reported. Structural characterisation of the complexes M(dmpc)2.B.nH2O [M = CO or Ni, 3 = Pyridine,β - or γ-picoline, ½ o-phenanthroline, ½ bipyridyl, n = 0,2], is made from electronic and vibrational spectra, magnetic susceptibility measurements in the solid state and conductivity measurements in solution. The ‘dmpc’ anion functions as a monoacidic bidentate ligand.