The mononuclear manganese(III) complex [Mn(sal)-(bpy)(H2O)(2)]ClO4.H2O (sal = salicylate, C7H4O32-; bpy = bipyridyl, C10H8N2) has been prepared and characterized by X-ray analysis. The manganese(III) ion displays elongated octahedral coordination with mutually trans water molecules occupying axial sites. The equatorial plane, defined by two sal O atoms and two bpy N atoms, nearly coincides with the sal and bpy ligand planes and with the metal ion.