A calorimetric study was performed for adducts of general formula CdBr2.nL (n = 1 and 2; L = ethyleneurea (eu) and propyleneurea (pu)). The standard molar reaction enthalpy in condensed phase: CdBr2(c) + nL(c) = CdBr2.nL(c); Delta(r)H(m)(theta), were obtained by reaction-solution calorimetry, to give the following values for mono- and bis-adducts: -19.54 and -34.59; -7.77 and -19.05 kJ mol(-1) for eu and pu adducts, respectively. Decomposition (Delta(D)H(m)(theta)) and lattice (Delta(M)H(m)(theta)) enthalpies, as well as the mean cadmium-oxygen bond dissociation enthalpy, D<Cd-O>, were calculated for all adducts. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.39041671213215