Complexes of Cr III , Mn II , Zn II & Cd II with the polydentate carboxamide ligandN¢, N¢¢-bis(3-carboxy-1-oxoprop-2-enyl) 2-Amino-N-arylbenzamidine (H 2 L) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic studies (Vibrational, electronic, ESR and 1 H-NMR), magnetic susceptibility measurements, thermal studies and powder diffraction studies. The vibrational spectral data are in agreement with coordination of amide and carboxylate oxygen of the ligands with the metal ions. The electronic spectra indicates octahedral or tetrahedral geometry around the metal ions, has been supported by magnetic susceptibility measurements. The results of electron spin resonance & 1 H-NMR spectra have supported the results of other spectral techniques. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were computed from the thermal data using Coats and Redfern method, which confirm first order kinetics. Powder diffraction determines the cell parameters of the complexes.