4-(Benzeneazo)salicylaldehyde was synthesized with aniline, sodium nitrite and salicylaldehyde. Two tetradentate ligands, N,N'-bis[4-(benzeneazo) salicylaldehyde]-o-phenylenediamine (H2L) and N,N'-bis[4-(benzeneazo) salicylaldehyde]ethylenediamine (H2L') were formed by the 2:1 molar condensation of 4-(benzeneazo) salicylaldehyde with o-phenylenediamine or ethylenediamine. Their Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Co(II), Mn(II) and Cd(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity measurements, and infrared and electronic spectral data. Two ligands and their Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes were further identified using H-1 NMR spectra. The results suggest that the metal is bonded to the ligand through the phenolic oxygen and the imino nitrogen.