Schiff bases obtained by the condensation of 2-amino-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole with 2,4-pentandione or 1-phenyl-1,3-butandione were synthesized and characterized in order to obtain polydentate ligands HL1 and HL2, respectively. The complexes with these ligands of the type M(L)Cl·nH2O [(1) M:Ni, L:L1, n = 0.5; (3) M:Ni, L:L2, n = 0.5]; [(2) M:Cu, L:L1, n = 1; (4) M:Cu, L:L2, n = 0] were also synthesized and characterized. The modifications evidenced in IR spectra of complexes were correlated with the presence of monodeprotonate Schiff bases. The electronic spectra display the characteristic pattern of square-planar stereochemistry. The in vitro qualitative and quantitative antimicrobial activity assays showed that the new complexes exhibited variable antimicrobial activity. The thermal analyses have evidenced the thermal intervals of stability and also the thermodynamic effects that accompany them. Schiff bases and complexes have a similar thermal behaviour. Processes as water elimination, melting, chloride anion removal as well as oxidative degradation of the organic ligands were observed.