Tris-hydrazine metal glycinates and glycolates of formula M(XCH(2)COO)(2)(N2H4)(3), where X is NH2 or OH, respectively, and M is Mn, Co, Ni, Zn or Cd, have been prepared and characterized by analytical, magnetic, and electronic and infrared spectral studies. Magnetic moment and electronic spectral data show that all the complexes are spin-free octahedra. Infrared spectra reveal the bridging bidentate coordination of the hydrazine molecules. These compounds undergo violent thermal decomposition in a single step to give the respective metal powders as the final residue. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns indicate that the complexes are isomorphous, not only within but also between the series.