A metallo-organic hybrid acid namely tetra-aquo bis-4-carboxy-N-phthaloylglycinato zinc(II) dihydrate is prepared and characterised. In this complex the hydrogen bonding by free carboxylic acid group and pi-pi interactions between the rings in crystal lattice contributes to the formation of self-assembled structure. A monomeric nickel complex from 2-carbomethoxy benzoic acid (L2H) and pyridine [Ni(L2)(py)(3)(H2O)(2)]L2 is prepared (where py = pyridine). This complex has ionic as well as monodentate carboxylates. It forms self-assembly by C-H... pi as well as hydrogen-bonding interactions. The 2-carbomethoxy benzoic acid (L2H) forms dimeric copper complex [Cu-2(L2)(4)(H2O)(2)]2H(2)O which has an extended chain structure through hydrogen-bond interactions. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.