Abstract

Two complexes, [Zn(Him)₂(mpa)] (1) and [Zn(Him)₂(tpa)]·H₂O (2) (Him = imidazole, mpa = m-phthalate, and tpa = terephthalate), have been prepared and structurally characterized, revealing two different three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded molecular architectures. Each features [Zn(Him)₂(dicarboxylate)] zigzag polymeric chains and intermolecular N–H^…O hydrogen bonds between the uncoordinated Him nitrogen atoms and carboxylate oxygen atoms that are similar to the carboxylate–histidine–zinc triad systems in zinc(II) enzymes. The lattice water molecules in complex (2) play a critical role in the formation of a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded molecular architecture.