A novel three-dimensional (3D) porous metal-organic framework, {[Cd(L)(H(2)O)]·3H(2)O}(∞) (1) (L-H(2) = 4,4'-(9,10-anthracenediyl)dibenzoic acid), was synthesized. 1 has a 3D framework formed by L connectors and the infinite {Cd(O(2)CR)(2)}(∞) secondary building units (SBUs). Compound 1 was characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, single-crystal, elemental analyses and powder X-ray diffraction methods. We then investigated its adsorption, catalysis and luminescent properties. Framework 1' exhibits permanent porosity (Langmuir surface area, 324 m(2) g(-1)), high thermal stability (up to 380 °C), and highly active properties for oxidation of alkylbenzenes. The catalytic results reveal that 1' is indeed an efficient heterogeneous catalyst with 100% selectivity. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report that oxidation reactions of alkylbenzenes were performed using Cd(II) with unsaturated coordination spheres as active sites.