[Cd(aepn)(2)]X(2) . nH(2)O (where aepn is N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine, and n = 1 when X is Cl- and Br-, n = 0 when X is 0.5SO(4)(2-), 0.5SeO(4)(2-), NO3- and I-), Cd(aepn)X(2) (where X is Cl-, Br-, I-, 0.5SeO(4)(2)-(,) 0.5SO(4)(2-) and SCN-), and Cd(dpt)X(2) . nH(2)O (where dpt is N-(3-aminopropyl)-1,3-propanediamine, and n = 1 when X is 0.5SO(4)(2-) and 0.5SeO(4)(2-), n = 0 when X is Cl-, Br-, I- and SCN-) have been synthesised and investigated thermally in the solid state. The species Cd(aepn)Cl-2, Cd(aepn)SO4 and Cd(aepn)SeO4 have also been synthesised pyrolytically in the solid state from the corresponding parent bis-complexes. Cd(aepn) (SCN)(2) and Cd(dpt) (SCN)(2) melt on heating and exist as supercooled liquids at ambient temperature. On heating and after deaquation, Cd(dpt)SO4 . H2O shows two endothermic phase transitions (172-190 degrees C, Delta H = 8.0 kJ mol(-1) and 210-245 degrees C, Delta H = 3.5 kJ mol(-1)) and the low-temperature transition is reversible (182-165 degrees C, Delta H = -7.8 kJ mol(-1)). Conversely, the selenate analogue undergoes an irreversible endothermic phase transition (240-257 degrees C, Delta H = 13.2 kJ mol(-1)). [Cd(aepn)(2)] (NO3)(2) and Cd(aepn)I-2 show irreversible endothermic phase transitions (198-218 degrees C, Delta H = 5.9 kJ mol(-1) for nitrate, and 195-202 degrees C, Delta H = 8.3 kJ mol(-1) for iodide). The transitions are assumed to be due to the conformational changes in the triamine chelate rings. The thermal stabilities are rationalized with respect to the carbon chain lengths of the triamine ligands.