A novel two-dimensional coordination polymer Zn(tda)H2O [tda = S(CH2COO)(2)(2-)] was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The compound crystallized in monoclinic space group P2(1) with a = 16.4154(17) angstrom, b = 5.2133(6) angstrom, c = 16.4210(17) angstrom, beta = 114.165(2)degrees, V = 1282.1(2) angstrom(3), and Z = 8. The structure features two-dimensional, noncentrosymmetric networks with a pseudohexagonal network of Zn2+ coordinated by tda and water molecules. Zn(tda)H2O decomposed at T > 300 degrees C to form a ZnO sponge with a surface area similar to 40 m(2)/g, which makes it an attractive precursor for nanoporous ZnO.