Several cobalt(II) complexes of 5,7-dimethyl-[1,2,4]-triazolo-[1,5-a]-pyrimidine (DMTP) have been prepared and characterized by thermal and spectroscopic techniques. The crystal structure of [Co(DMTP)₂(H₂O)₄]Br^-2·2H₂O has been determined by XRD; the metal ion is octahedrally coordinated by two DMTP ligands through the usual N(3) site and four water molecules. Metal binding to N(3) for DMTP is consistent with the electronic properties calculated with the MOPAC programme. All the complexes were screened for their activity against several types of bacteria, showing a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.