A new 2D cadmium compound [Cd(2,4′-bpdc)H 2 O] n (1) (2,4′-H 2 bpdc=2,4′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid) has been successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction of Cd(Ac) 2 and 2,4′-H 2 bpdc, and characterized by element analysis, IR spectroscopy and thermal analysis, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The results reveal that complex 1 possesses a 2D framework with one-dimensional nano-channels hinged by two meso-helical chains sharing two Cd centers through 2,4′-bpdc 2− ligands, which denotes the first example of the complex including single 2,4′-biphenyldicarboxylate ligand. Moreover, compound 1 displays a strong photoluminescent property and high thermal stability.