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Three new Zn(II) complexes, namely [Zn(emimb) 2 Cl 2 (1), [Zn(dmimb) 2 Cl 2 (2) and [Zn(bmem) 2 (SCN) 2 (3), have been synthesized using the benzotriazole-based ligands, 1-((2-ethyl-4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)-1H-benzotriazole (emimb), 1-((2,4-dimethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)-1H-benzotriazole (dmimb) and 1-((2-ethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)-1H-benzotriazole (bmem). All the complexes were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complexes 1–3 show mononuclear structures and the central Zn(II) ion of 1 – 3 is four-coordinated in a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry. Complex 2 presents an interesting 3-D network through two different intermolecular π-π stacking interactions. The antidiabetic activities against α-amylase of ligands and complexes 1–3 are investigated in vitro. The results indicate that the three Zn(II) complexes inhibit α-amylase more strongly than free ligands. Antioxidant tests in vitro show that the complex 3 possesses a mild antioxidant activity against 1,1-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). In addition, the solid-state photoluminescence properties of ligands and their Zn(II) complexes have been investigated. Image 1 • Three new benzotriazole-based Zn(II) complexes 1–3 were synthesized. • The structure of complexes 1–3 was characterized adequately by X-ray study. • The antidiabetic activities of complexes 1–3 were investigated against α-amylase in vitro. • The antioxidant activities of complexes 1–3 were evaluated by the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]