Two novel complexes, {[L1Ni(ipa)(H2O)]2(DMF)}n (1) and {[L1Zn(pa)]4(H2O)}n (2), (L1 = bis(4-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)methanone, H2ipa = isophthalic acid, H2pa = phthalic acid) were obtained and structurally characterized. Treatment of M(OAc)2 (M = Ni, Zn) with a dicarboxylic acid and L1 under solvothermal conditions gave the title complexes in moderate yields. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 represents 1D chains along the b axis, and complex 2 shows 2D network with the point symbol {44⋅62}. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]