The physico-chemical properties and thermal stability in air of light lanthanide 2,3-, 2,4- and 3,4-dimethoxybenzoates were compared and the influence of -OCH3 substituent on their thermal stability was investigated. The complexes of these series are crystalline, hydrated or anhydrous salts with colours typical of Ln(3+) ions. The carboxylate group is a bidentate, chelating (2,4- and 3,4-dimethoxybenzoates) or tridentate chelating and bridging ligand (2,3- dimethoxybenzoates). The thermal stability of 2,4-, 3,4- and 2,3- dimethoxybenzoates of light lanthanides was studied in the temperature range 273-1173 K.The positions of methoxy groups in benzene ring influence the thermal properties of the complexes and their decomposition mechanism.