The thermal dissociation of a number of salicylato(amine)cobalt(III) complexes has been studied by thermogravimetry, differential temperature analysis, UV-visible spectral analysis of intermediates and XRD of the final products. The final decomposition product was found to be Co3O4. Dissociation of [Co(en)(2)(amine)salH](NO3)(2) passed through the intermediate [Co(en)(2)sal]. The intermediate was characterised by UV-visible spectral analysis. The complexes containing chelating salicylate were found to be more stable than those with unidentate ligand and also more stable than unbound salicylic acid.