2,5‐Bis[4‐methyl‐3‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)phenyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole and its one‐dimensional polymeric complex with ZnCl2

2,5‐Bis4‐methyl‐3‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)phenyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (L), C₂₆H₂₀N₄O, forms one‐dimensional chains via two types of intermolecular π–π interactions. In catena‐polydichloridozinc(II)]‐μ‐2,5‐bis4‐methyl‐3‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)phenyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole], ZnCl₂(C₂₆H₂₀N₄O)]_n, synthesized by the combination of L with ZnCl₂, the Zn^II centres are coordinated by two Cl atoms and two N atoms from two L ligands. ZnCl₂L]_n forms one‐dimensional P (plus) and M (minus) helical chains, where the L ligand has different directions of twist. The helical chains stack together via interchain π–π and C—H...π interactions.