Statistical thermodynamics and quantum chemistry are combined to evaluate the temperature dependence of heat capacities C-p and entropies S for metal halides. Density functional calculations are used to supply the structural data and vibrational frequencies. The accuracy of these data is established by comparison with experimental data. It is shown that they provide a reliable basis for the calculation of C-p and S. Discrepancies between calculated values and experimental literature values can mainly be attributed to vibrational anharmonicities and contributions from excited electronic states. It is demonstrated that quantum chemical calculations can provide a powerful tool for systems where experimental data are not available. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.