Tin(IV) complexes with 8-aminoquinoline (complexes (1) and (2)) and with salicylidene-8-aminoquinoline (complex (3)) have been prepared and characterized. Complexes (1) and (3) are thermochromic, and display irreversible and reversible thermochromism, respectively. The origin of the thermochromism is discussed in terms of lattice imperfections, phase change and charge transfer (CT). The phenomena were investigated by means of DTA, TGA, X-ray diffraction, electronic spectra and solid electrical conductivity.