An aqueous solution of Zn(NO3)(2)center dot 6H(2)O reacts with tetraethylammonium salt of the tripodal ligand tris-(4-carboxy-2-phenoxyethylamine (ptaH(3)) at room temperature, to form infinite interlinked 2D metallocycles. These 2D networks stack to form an overall 31) structure (1) where lattice water molecules occupy the metallocyclic cavities. Oil heating to 110 degrees C for 5 h under vacuum, I loses metal bound water molecules as well as lattice ones without framework collapse and leaves the metal ion coordinatively unsaturated. The coordination space in the structure (1a) can be utilized for Knoevenagel and cyanosilation reactions to give biologically important molecules. These reactions are catalyzed by Zn(II) centers which are coordinatively unsaturated. Larger carbonyl substrates cannot diffuse through the pores of la, and afford poor yields of the desired products. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.