A novel three-dimensional coordination polymer, namely, poly [[diaquabis(-4,4 0 -bipyridine)bis{ 3 -5-[(2-carboxyphenoxy)methyl]isophthalato}tricadmium(III)] dimethylformamide monosolvate 2.5-hydrate], {[Cd 3 (C 16 H 9 O 7 ) 2 (C 10 H 8 N 2 ) 2 -(H 2 O) 2 ]Á2C 3 H 7 NOÁ5H 2 O} n , was obtained by the reaction of ether-linked 5-[(2-carboxyphenoxy)methyl]isophthalic acid (H 3 L) with Cd II salts in the presence of 4,4 0 -bipyridine (bpy) under solvothermal conditions. In this complex, the Cd II centres are connected by the carboxylate ligands to form two-dimensional wave-like layers, which are pillared by bpy ligands and extended into a rare three-dimensional (3,6)-connected sqc27 framework. The complex demonstrated good water stability and strong luminescence emissions. It not only possesses excellent luminescence sensing activities toward Fe 3+ and Cr 2 O 7 2À in aqueous solution, but can also distinguish between Cr 2 O 7 2À and CrO 4 2À by luminescence. Furthermore, it could be simply and quickly regenerated at least five times. A study of the sensing mechanism indicated that luminescence quenching may be related to the energy competition between the complex and sensing analytes. Figure 1(a) The asymmetric unit of complex 1. Displacement ellipsoids are drawn at the 50% probability level [symmetry codes: (i) Àx + 1, Ày + 2, Àz + 1; (ii) x, Ày + 2, z + 1 2 ; (iii) x, y + 1, z; (iv) Àx + 2, y, Àz + 1 2 ]. (b)/(c) Top and side views of the 3D plane of complex 1 along the bc plane composed of Cd II centres and L 3À ligands. (d) Perspective view of the 3D framework of complex 1, showing (e) the pores within the structure.