Role of the group 12 metals in tuning the structural motif: From complexes to halometallate salts of 3-carbamoyl-1-methylpyridinium

► Reactions of Zn(II) halides with LI resulted in coordination compounds. ► Coordination of L to Zn(II) was possible only under solvothermal conditions. ► Reactions of Cd(II) and Hg(II) gave their halometallate salts, [L]2[CdX4] (3,4) and {[L][HgX3]}n (5,6). ► Crystal structures of Cd(II) and Hg(II) are established via amide hydrogen bonds.