The complex formation of molybdate and tungstate with mandelate [PhCH (OH)CO,-] have been investigated in the range pH, 7.5-1.5 by potentiometric, spectrophotometric and enthalpimetric titrations at 25 "C in 1.0 mol dm-3 NaCI. The potentiometric data were treated with the computer program SUPERQUAD taking into account the side-reactions of molybdate and tungstate with hydrogen ions. For both systems the 'best' reaction model comprises only one major complex and a number of minor complexes. Thermodynamic quantities have been determined for each of the major complexes. For the molybdenum(vt) complex [MOO,(C,H,O,),]~-. log p, , , = 15.93, AH" = -78.2 and TAS" = 12.7 k J mo1-l respectively and for the tungsten(v1) complex, [W02(C6HS03)2]2-, log p, , , = 17.59, A H = -86.3 and TAS" = 14.1 k J mol-l. The equilibrium constant and the enthalpy change for the protonation of mandelate have also been determined, log K = 3.1 5 and AH = -0.05 k J mot l. The energetics of complexation is discussed in terms of the thermodynamic quantities.