A novel complex Zn(phen)(m-CBA)_2(H_2O) with mchlorobenzoic acid (m-CBA), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and zinc chloride has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized. Crystal data for this complex: triclinic, space group P1, a = 0.8361(5), b = 1.2455(7), c = 1.3107(7) nm, α = 115.637(8), β = 91.014(9), γ = 104.857(8)°, V = 1.1763(11) nm~3, D_c = 1.623 g/cm~3, Z = 2, F(000) = 584, GOOF = 1.078, the final R = 0.0453 and wR = 0.1192. Structure analysis shows that the zinc ion coordinates with two nitrogen atoms of one 1,10-phenanthrolin...