A series of new hexa-coordinated ruthenium(III) complexes of the type [Ru(X)(2-atmp-ba)(EPh 3)] (where H 2-2-atmp-ba = N,N′-bis(2-aminothiophenol)benzoylacetone; X = Cl or Br; E = P or As) have been prepared by reacting [RuX 3(EPh 3) 3] (where X = Cl or Br; E = P or As) with tetradentate Schiff base ligand (H 2-2-atmp-ba) in 1:1 molar ratio. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, Infra red, electronic, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. In order to confirm the coordination and structure of the complexes extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) studies have been carried out. Based on the above data, an octahedral structure has been confirmed for the complexes. The new complexes were also screened for their antibacterial properties. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.