Lead(II) 2,2'-bipyridine hexachloroplumbate tetrahydrate was synthesized and investigated by DTA, TG and DTG. IR spectroscopy and other methods enabled the identification of some of the decomposition products. Comparative studies on the corresponding chlorides: [Pb(bipy)]Cl-2 and [Pb(bipy)(3)]Cl-2, which can be considered as precursors of the hexachloroplumbate, were also undertaken. X-ray measurements enabled the tentative determination of the crystal structure of [Pb(bipy)]Cl-2. Hexachloroplumbate decomposes with the liberation of chlorine, water and organic ligands, and the process is accompanied by the simultaneous transition of Pb(IV)--> Pb(II). Chlorides release only ligands upon heating. Residues comprised always PbCl2.