A new three-dimensional metal-organic polymer, [NaZn(1,2,4-BTC)] (where 1,2,4-BTC = 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate), has been prepared under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, with cell parameters: a = 9.7706(4) Angstrom, b = 12.3549(5) Angstrom, c = 6.8897(3) Angstrom, beta = 91.640(2)degrees, V = 831.35(6) Angstrom(3) and Z = 4. In the three-dimensional structure of the compound, each Zn atom is five-coordinated in distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry, while the sixfold coordination of Na corresponds to a slightly distorted triangular prism. The organic ligand, 1,2,4-BTC, shows a novel and unprecedented coordination mode: 11 bonds to 10 metals with each carboxylate function exhibiting different linkages. It remains stable when desolvated and when heated up to 410degreesC. (C) 2003 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.