A new ternary complex [Cd(sfdb)(3-pytpy)](2)center dot 2H(2)O (H(2)sfdb = 4,4'-Sulfonyldibenzoic acid, 3-pytpy = 4'-(3-pyridyl)-2,2': 6',2 ''-terpyridine) 1 has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by the elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that 1 (C34H24CdN4O7S) crystallizes in triclinic space group P-1, features an interesting 1D channel-containing supramolecular structure constructed from grid-like dimers via pi-pi stacking interactions. Unit cell parameters for 1: a = 8.866(2) angstrom, b = 11.083(3) angstrom, c = 15.790(4) angstrom, alpha = 103.612(4)degrees, beta = 95.044(3)degrees, gamma = 101.083(4)degrees and Z = 2. The luminescent spectrum shows the emission peak of complex 1 is at 392 nm which is attributed to the intraligand transition.