The synthesis and characterization of nickel(II), copper(II), and vanadyl ([V=O]2+) complexes of two new thienyl-substituted Schiff base ligands are reported. Cyclic voltammetry of some of these complexes showed oxidation waves, but none of the complexes formed conductive polymer films upon repeated cycling. UV–vis absorption spectroscopy shows that some of the complexes exhibit enhanced conjugation, and the radical cations formed on these chromophores appear to be too stable to undergo oxidative coupling.Key words: Schiff base, salphen, conjugated polymer, electrochemistry.