The1H-nmr and infrared spectra of the complexes [M(ox)n(Hox)] where M = UO2(n = 2), Th (n = 4) or Sc (n = 3) and Hox = 8-hydroxyquinoline are discussed. The nmr spectra of the adducts are uninformative with respect to the bonding and structure of these molecules since they dissociate in solution. The solid state ir spectra show that the adducted molecule of 8-hydroxyquinoline is bound to the metal through the phenolic oxygen, the proton forming an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the nitrogen atom of the adducted molecule and the oxygen atom of a neighbouring chelate ring. The mid-and far-ir spectra are reported for the first time and assignments for the δN-H, νM-O and νM-N modes have been made.