Two unusual complexes of formula [M(mu-OH)(mu-O2CCH3)(2)](n) [M = In (1) or Ga (2)] were crystallized by diffusion of ethyl acetate into methanolic solutions of the M(NO3)(3) salts and N-nitrosopyrrolidine. They represent the first examples of such simple group 13 containing structures comprising 1D chains, and their formation results from the surprising hydrolysis of ethyl acetate to provide the bridging acetate ligands.