A series of nine Ce(III) complexes has been synthesised with seven different monosaccharides (D-glucose, D-fructose, D-galactose, D-mannose, L-sorbose, D-ribose and D-xylose) and two different disaccharides (D-maltose and L-lactose), and these have been characterised with various analytical, spectral, magnetic and electrochemical techniques. The NMR studies have highlighted some interesting features about the metal-ion-binding pattern of the saccharides. Some additional coordination has been proposed along with the chelating groups in the saccharide molecules, based on the shifts in 13C NMR spectra. On the other hand, solution absorption studies and solid-state magnetic susceptibilities have indicated the contribution from the d-character to the spectral features to some extent. Copyright (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.