Electrocatalytic effects associated with the reduction of thionyl chloride in a LiAlCl4-SOCl2 electrolyte solution containing Schiff base metal(II) (metal (M): Co, Ni, Cu and Mn) complexes are evaluated by determining the kinetic parameters for the reactions using cyclic voltammetry at a glassy carbon electrode. The charge-transfer process during the reduction of thionyl chloride is affected by the concentration of the catalyst. Catalytic effects are demonstrated from both a shift in the reduction potential for the thionyl chloride in a more positive direction and an increase in peak currents. The reduction of thionyl chloride is diffusion controlled. Catalytic effects are larger for thionyl chloride solutions containing M(II)(1,5-bis(salicylidene imino) pentane) (M(II)(SALPE)) rather than M(II)(1,3-bis(salicylidene imino) propane) (M(II)(SALPR)). Significant improvements in cell performance are found in terms of the both thermodynamics and kinetic parameters for the thionyl chloride reduction. An exchange rate constant, k(0), of 1.89 x 10(-8) cm s(-1) is found at the bare electrode, while larger values of 2.79 x 10(-8) to 2.09 x 10(-6) cm s(-1) are observed in the case of the catalyst-supported glassy carbon electrode.