Two new complexes with the formulae {[Co(bmi)2(bdc)(H2O)]·2H2O}n (1) and {[Cd(bmi)(bdc) (H2O)]·DMF}n (2) (bmi = 1-((benzotriazol-1-yl)methyl)-1H-1,3-imidazole, H2bdc = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid) have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 exhibits a chain structure in which both carboxylate groups of each 1,3-benzenedicarboxylate coordinate to the Co(II) ions in monodentate and chelating modes, and the bmi ligands with a monodentate mode. Complex 2 features a layered structure where both carboxylate groups of each 1,3- benzenedicarboxylate coordinate to the Cd(II) ions in monodentate and chelating modes, but the bmi ligands with a bridging mode. The IR spectra, PXRD patterns, thermogravimetric analyses, and fluorescence properties are also presented.