Five new complexes M(Hmna)2 [M=Mn(II) (1), Co(II) (2), Ni(II) (3), Cu(II) (4) and Zn(II) (5), H2mna=2-mercaptonicotinic acid] have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, thermogravimetric analyses. In addition, molar specific heat capacities and enthalpy changes of reactions were determined by a microcalorimeter at 298.15 K. All the complexes exhibited similar IR spectra, the sulfur and oxygen atoms from monoanionic Hmna− ligand coordinated to M2+ in a bidentate fashion. The thermal stability of M(Hmna)2 complexes varied in the sequence 1>2>3>4>5. The complexes were stable up to about 300°C and decomposed to oxides at higher temperatures. The molar specific heat capacities of the complexes were determined in the range between 106.452±0.399 and 145.920±0.423 J mol−1 K−1. The enthalpy changes of reactions, ΔrHmθ, were determined from 18.28±0.05 to 52.59±0.07 kJ mol−1 for complexes 1–5, indicating that the thermodynamic stability of M(Hmna)2 increased in the sequence from Mn2+ to Zn2+.