Abstract The synthesis and characterization of a new palladium(II) complex [Pd(MePhPzTSC)2] and its corresponding ligand 3-methylpyrazole-4-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (MePhPzTSC) are described. The bidentate ligand is coordinated to Pd(II) through the azomethine nitrogen atoms and sulfur in the form of thiol by deprotonation of the NH-C = S. The antimicrobial activity of these new compounds was evaluated against gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus thuringiensis) bacteria and two yeast strains (Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Coordination of the ligand to the metallic ion showed improved antimicrobial activity compared to the free ligand. For the gram-positive bacteria the antimicrobial activity of the complex was higher than that of the positive control used. [Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements to view the following free supplemental files: Additional figures and tables]