A crystalline Co(3-pic)2Cl2 compound was obtained and its structure determined by X-ray diffraction. The structure is characterized by the presence of two conformationally different molecules. A new cobalt(II) complex of molecular formula Co(py)(3-pic)Cl2 was also synthesized. It was characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR, FIR, Raman spectra), elemental analysis and thermogravimetry (TG, DTA, DTG) carried out in both the oxidative and inert atmosphere. Each of the thermal decomposition steps was interpreted and the influence of substituent position in the pyridine ring on the thermal stability of the complex was discussed.