The title complex, [Hf(C29H41N2)Cl3], was synthesized from HfCl4 and HC[C(Me)N( (i) Pr2C6H3)]2Li(Et2O) in toluene. The structure is isotypic with those of Ti(IV) and Zr(IV) complexes reported previously [Nikiforov et al. (2007 ▶). Dalton Trans. pp. 4149-4159; Kakaliou et al. (1999 ▶). Inorg. Chem. 38, 5964-5977]. There is a crystallographic mirror plane containing the Hf atom, one chloride ligand and the central diketiminate C atom. The Hf(IV) ion has slightly distorted square-pyramidal geometry surrounded by two N atoms from the β-diketiminate ligand and by three Cl(-) anions. Coordination bond lengths are Hf-N = 2.181 (3) Å, and Hf-Cl = 2.3148 (15) and 2.3727 (12) Å.