A unique 3-D chiral Zn(II) coordination framework with 1,2,3-benzenetricarboxyl and 4,4′-bipyridyl tectons showing 4-connected self-penetrating network and helical character

Hydrothermal reaction of Zn(II) acetate, 4,4′-bipyridyl (bpy) and 1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylic acid (H3bta) results in a 3-D coordination framework {[Zn4(bta)2(Hbta)(bpy)3](H2O)3}n (1), which shows the self-penetrating net with a new 4-connected topological prototype and chiral helical character.