Two known coordination polymers, Zn(INA)(2) and Zn(INA)(2)center dot 2H(2)O (INA: isonicotinate), have been synthesized through solid-state reactions that are more efficient and environmentally friendly than conventional methods. By varying the reaction conditions, the solid-state reactions between the metal salt and bridging ligand could be rationally controlled to give different polymeric three-dimensional structures or a mononuclear coordination compound.