Abstract Metal propionate hydrazinates, M(CH3Ch2COO)2(N2H4)2 where M = Mn, Co, Ni, Zn or Cd, and mixed metal propionate hydrazinates with cobalt, M1/3Co2/3(CH3CH2COO)2(N2H4)2 where M = Mg, Mn, Ni, Zn or Cd, have been prepared and characterized by analytical, magnetic, spectral, thermal and X-ray diffraction studies. The thermal decomposition of the former complexes yields the metal oxides while the latter mixed metal complexes give the corresponding metal cobaltites as the final residue. Formation of metal cobaltites has been confirmed by TG weight loss, IR spectra and X-ray diffraction.