A complex [Cd 2 Na 2 (BOABA) 2 (H 2 O) 8 ]•H 2 O (1) was synthesized by using 2,4-bisoxyacetate-benzoic acid (H 3 BOABA) and Cd(OH) 2 . It was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 shows a two-dimensional 3-connected rigid plane. The interactions between the ligand and its complex with DNA were studied by EtBr fluorescence probe. Photoluminescent studies indicate that the complex may be excellent candidates for potential photoactive materials.