A new complex [Cd(btca)(0.5)(H2O)(3)] (1) (H(4)btca: 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxlyic acid) has been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies, elemental analysis and FT-IR. In compound 1, Cd(II) center atoms coordinate to three ligand btca(4-) anions and three water molecules with a six-coordinated distorted octahedral geometry. Four carboxyl groups of btca(4-) adopt mu(2)-eta(2):eta(0) and mu(1)-eta(1):eta(0) two different coordination modes. The whole anion btca(4-) acts as a hexadentate bridge to connect adjacent Cd(II) atoms, resulting in 2D layer structure. Further, these two-dimensional layers are linked together by O-H center dot center dot center dot O to give rise to three-dimensional structure. Thermal stability and luminescent property of 1 are investigated. CdO micro-crystalline particles are then produced by calcination of compound 1 at 580 degrees C. The obtained CdO is characterized by XRD and SEM analyses.