Abstract:A new Zn(II) complex, [ZnL 2 (H 2 O) 4 ]·2H 2 O (1) (HL = N-nicotinoylglycine), was synthesized by Zn(OAc) 2 ·2H 2 O with N-nicotinoylglycine in 95% ethanol solution. Its structure has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and infrared spectrum. The crystal analysis show that complex 1 crystallizes in triclinic, space group P1. The Zn(II) ion, located on an inversion center, is coordinated by two N-nicotinoylglycine ligands through pyridine nitrogen and four water molecules. The crystal packing indicates 1D polymeric chains which expand into a 3D network structure by hydrogen bonds and π···π stacking. The luminescent properties of Zn(II) complex in solid state and in ethanol have also been investigated.