The reaction between aminomethylphosphonic acid (ampa) and the metal salts of Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb, Ag, and Cu afforded seven metal-phosphonate polymers with unique structural features and includes the synthesis of a bimetallic metal-organic framework (Cu/Ag). The characterization of these metal phosphonates is reported by means of infrared spectroscopy, 1H-NMR, 31P-NMR, X-ray crystallography, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Individual structural features are compared based on the preferred coordination mode of ampa and the geometrical requirements for each metallic center that manipulates the structural motif. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.