Unusual metal–organic network constructed from Zn(II), benzenetricarboxylate and bis(1,2,4-triazolyl)pyridine

Hydrothermal reaction of ZnSO4 · 7H2O with 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (H3btc) and 2,6-bis(1,2,4-triazolyl)pyridine (btp) afforded a novel metal–organic network {[Zn3(btc)2(btp)2(H2O)2] · 4H2O}n (1) with a supramolecular cocrystal [H3btc · btp · H2O]n (2). The complex 1 exhibits an unusual network containing two molecular squares and a rectangle. The networks interpenetrate to make a 3D metal–organic framework, which is quite thermal stable. Compound 2 shows a 2D supramolecular network assembled through strong hydrogen bonds.