Mixed complexes of the type: Zn(Han)(2)(Him)(3), Zn(Han)(2)(Him)(5),Zn(Han)(2)(4-MeHim)(2) and Zn(Han)(2)(1,2-diMeim)(2) (where Han: NH2C6H4 COO-, Him: imidazole, 4-MeHim: 4-methylimidazole, 1,2-diMeim-1,2-dimethylimidazole) have been synthesized. The complexes and the corresponding sinters, obtained at temperatures determined on the basis of the thermogravimetric (TG) curves, have been analyzed by chemical, X-ray, infrared (IR) spectroscopy and thermal methods. The compounds with Him and 4-MeHim decompose in two stages, and those with 1,2-diMeim in three stages. Thermal decomposition pathways have been postulated for these complexes. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.