Two new ternary complexes [Zn(3-aba)2(phen)]’2.58H2O 1 and {[Cd(3-aba)- (phen)2]’(NO3)’(1.5H2O)}n 2 (3-aba = 3-aminobenzoic acid anion, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV spectrum and X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 crystallizes in the rhombohedral system, space group R 3 with a = 3.5733(3), b = 3.5733(3), c = 1.1231(2) nm, V = 12.419(3) nm3, C26H25.17N4O6.58Zn, Mr = 564.37, Z = 18, F(000) = 5253, μ = 0.937 mm–1, Dc = 1.358 g/cm3, R = 0.0668 and wR = 0.1690 for 2424 observed reflections (I > 2σ(I)). Complex 2 belongs to the tetragonal system, space group P4/ncc with a = 2.88451(10), b = 2.88451(10), c = 1.55571(11) nm, V = 12.9441(11) nm3, C31H25CdN6O6.50, Mr = 697.97, Z = 16, F(000) = 5648, μ = 0.727 mm–1, Dc = 1.433 g/cm3, R = 0.0607 and wR = 0.1742 for 3468 observed reflections (I > 2σ(I)). Complex 1 displays a mononuclear structure. The carboxylate group of 3-aminobenzoic acid anion coordinates to Zn(II) in a chelating bidentate mode, and the nitrogen atom of the ligand does not involve in coordination. Complex 2 exhibits a one-dimensional chain structure with 3-aminobenzoic acid anion coordinating to Cd(II) in a μ2-bridging mode through its nitrogen atom and one of its oxygen atoms.