A new type of three-dimensional framework based on dodecanuclear Cd(II) macrocycles [[Cd2(dpa)(pya)]6(pya)6(dpe)3]n (1) (H2dpa = diphenic acid; Hpya = isonicotinic acid, dpe = 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene) was prepared by the hydrothermal reaction and in situ synthesis of pya from dpe precursor.