this thesis concerns first row transition metal complexes of ethylxanthate and diethyldithiocarbamate (dtc). complexes of the type m(xan)2 and (see document for formula) have been prepared and studied. it was found that cr(ii) and go{il) could not be stabilized in the presence of ethylxanthate, due to their tendency to oxidize while cu(ii) was instantaneously reduced.