4-(Benzeneazo)salicylaldehyde(HL ) was synthesized with aniline, sodium nitrite, and salicylaldehyde. The di-Schiff base ligand, N,N -bis[4-(benzeneazo)salicylaldehyde]-4-methyl-1,2-phenylenediamine (H 2 L) has been prepared by 2:1 molar condensation of HL with 4-methy-l,2-phenylenediamine. Its manganese(II), copper(II), nickel(II), zinc(II), cobalt(II), and cadmium(II) transition metal complexes were prepared and characterized by their infrared spectra, electronic spectra, and elemental analysis. The 1 H NMR spectra of the ligand and its diamagnetic complexes were recorded in DMSO-d 6 solvent and obtained data confirm that the nitrogen atoms of the imino groups and oxygen atoms of phenolic groups coordinated to the metal ions. All complexes were also prepared by template method.