A coordination polymer [Cu(nip)(phen)](n) was hydrothermally synthesized by the reaction of Cu(NO3)(2) with 5-nitroisophthalic acid and phen. Single-crystal structure analysis showed that the complex crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c; a = 10.6566(13); b = 12.5931(15); c = 13.0514(16) angstrom; beta = 95.474(2)degrees, V= 1743.5(4) angstrom(3); Z = 4. The standard molar enthalpy of formation of the complex was determined to be -554 +/- 11 kJ mol(-1). (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.