A number of ionic chelate complexes of maltol(A) and hafnium(IV) the type [(eta(5)-C5H5)(2)HfL](+)[MCl3](-) (B) [HL=maltol; M=Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), Cu(II)] have been synthesized and characterized by spectral studies (IR, UV, H-1 NMR and C-13 NMR). The stoichiometry of the complexes has been confirmed by conductance measurements. Thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analytical (DTA) studies have been carried out for these complexes and from TG curves, the order, apparent activation energy and apparent activation entropy of the thermal decomposition reactions have been elucidated. The order in each case has been determined to be one and the degree of spontaneity and lability have been inferred from the apparent activation energy and entropy, respectively. Thermal parameters have been correlated with some structural aspects of the complexes concerned. From differential thermal analysis curves, the heat of reaction has been calculated.