The title complex crystallizes from an aqueous solution containing sod
ium benzoate, zinc sulfate and thiourea in the ratio 2:1:2. The struct
ure is molecular and contains two crystallographically different [Zn(C
6H5COO)2{CS(NH2)2}(2)] molecules. The coordination geometry of each Zn
atom, by one O atom from each benzoate anion and by one S atom from e
ach thiourea ligand, is that of a deformed tetrahedron [Zn-O 1.964 (2)
and 1.963 (2) Angstrom; Zn-S 2.368 (1) and 2.366 (1) Angstrom; angles
103.25(9)-126.6 (2)degrees]. The Zn ... O distances to the non-coordi
nated O atoms are long: 2.957 (3) (x2) and 2.955 (3) Angstrom (x2). Mo
st of the H atoms of the amidic groups are involved in hydrogen bonds
of the N-H ... O type.