A new series of Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes have been synthesized with thiopental sodium anesthesia drug. The elemental analyses of the complexes are confined to stoichiometry of the formulas [M(TPL)(3)]center dot nH(2)O (M = Cr(III) or Fe(III); n = 6 or 5), [M(TPL)(2)(H2O)(2)]center dot nH(2)O (M = Mn(II), Co(II) or Ni(II); n = 0 or 4), and [M(TPL)(2)] (M = Cu(II) or Zn(II); n = 2 or 0) respectively, where TPL is thiopental chelating agent. Structures have been discussed and suggested upon elemental analyses, infrared, Raman, electronic, electron spin resonance, H-1 NMR spectral data and magnetic studies. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) was performed of metal complexes. The XRD patterns indicate crystalline nature for the complexes. The measured low molar conductance values in dimethylsulfoxide indicate that the complexes are non-electrolyte nature. Spectroscopic discussion refer that coordination take place through three types: C=N (pyrimidine moiety) nitrogen and C2-S (2-thiolate group) for Cr(III), Mn(II) and Fe(III), C6=O (amido group) oxygen and C2-S (2-thiolate group) for Co(II) and Ni(II), and Cu(II) and Zn(10 ions coordinated via C=N (pyrimidine moiety) nitrogen, C2=S (2-thiolate group) and C6=O (amido group) oxygen, respectively. The thermal behavior (TG/DTG/DTA) of the complexes was studied and kinetic parameters were determined by Horowitz-Metzger and Coats-Redfern methods. The thiopental and its complexes have been screened for their antimicrobial (G(+) and G(-)) bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungi (Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans) activities by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.