The novel ZnⅡ complex, {[Zn(TSC)(MAL)]·H2O}n (1), where TSC is thiosemicarbazide and MAL is malonate radicle), was synthesized by self-assembling from the reaction of stoichiometric zinc chloride, thiosemicarbazide and malonic acid in solution at pH 4.5 ̄5.0. The structural and physicochemical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, electronic spectra and thermal analysis. The crystal data for the title coordination polymer: Monoclinic, P21/c, β=107.808(1)°, a=0.93759(1) nm, b=1.11083(1) nm, c= 0.92100 (2) nm, Z=2, μ=2.919 mm-1, R1=0.0390, wR2=0.0994. The structure feature is that the bridging dicarboxylates effectively link the zinc centers to form polymeric chain in a zig-zag way, which is stabilized by N- H…O, N- H…S and O- H…O hydrogen bonds. CCDC: 231861.