Syntheses of complexes of the type [M L(NO 3) 2], where M = Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II), L = N-(2-pyridylethyl)pyridine-2-carbaldimine, a tridentate ligand, are described. They were characterized by elemental analysis, spectral, magnetic, thermal studies, and X-ray crystallography. In the cobalt ( 1), nickel ( 2), and copper ( 3) complexes, the bivalent metal ion is coordinated by the three nitrogen atoms of the tridentate L with two pyridine-N groups occupying trans positions. Amongst the two nitrates one coordinates in a bidentate fashion while the other adopts a monodentate fashion. The X-band EPR spectra of 1, 2, and 3 in the polycrystalline state and in acetonitrile solution at 77 K are reported. Room temperature vibrating sample magnetometer data of 1, 2, and 3 afforded μ eff values respectively of 3.928, 3.897, and 1.952 BM. The thermal stability order is 1 > 2 > 3, showing a reverse Irving-Williams trend.