The 3D metal-organic framework based on cadmium complex of pyrazine-2,3,5,6-tetracarboxylate (pztc), {Cd(pztc)(HO)}, has been synthesized by the reaction of Hpztc and Cd(NO)·4HO under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and fluorescence measurement. This complex belongs to triclinic system, $$ P\overline{1} $$ space group with a = 5.0080(10) Å, b = 6.6578(13) Å, c = 8.5790(17) Å, α = 89.28(3)°, β = 75.76(3)°, γ = 78.80(3)°. All the donor N and O atoms in pztc coordinate to Cd(II) ions. As decadentate ligand, each pztc links eight Cd(II) atoms, which is a novel coordination mode of pztc. Graphical Abstract: The 3D metal-organic framework based on cadmium complex of pyrazine-2,3,5,6-tetracarboxylate (pztc), {Cd(pztc)(HO)}, has been synthesized by the reaction of Hpztc and Cd(NO)·4HO under hydrothermal conditions. All the donor N and O atoms in pztc coordinate to Cd(II) ions. As decadentate ligand, each pztc links eight Cd(II) atoms, which is a novel coordination mode of pztc.[Figure not available: see fulltext.]