Synthesis, structure, photoluminescence and theoretical calculations on a novel tetranuclear Cd(II) complex based on (2,3-f)-pyrazino(1,10)phenanthroline-2,3-dicarboxylic acid

► Report a novel tetranuclear Cd complex with Cl-Cd-Cl chains blocked by O atoms ► The title compound was found to be a green fluorescent species. ► Theoretical calculations were conducted to elucidate the green fluorescence.