<p>The ligating properties of a novel 1-nitroso-2-naphthol azo-dye (CNN) had been investigated with the formation of its metal complexes. CNN and its metal complexes were characterised using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Magnetic Susceptibility and Conductivity measurements. The results revealed that CNN and its metal complexes possess remarkable ligating capacity for metal complex formation in co-ordination chemistry. The IR spectra revealed that CNN coordinated to the metals as a bidentate ligand via the hydroxyl group and azo nitrogen. Furthermore, the magnetic susceptibility data which were 1.73, 2.43, and 2.43 BM for the Cu(II), Fe(III) and Ni(II) complexes showed that the complexes were paramagnetic, while their molar conductivity values (1.93, 2.15 and 3.64 Ω⁻¹cm²mol⁻¹) measured at 298&#xa0;K indicated that the complexes were non-electrolytic. CNN moiety could therefore be considered as a prospective candidate in coordination compounds design for possible applications in various fields.</p>