A novel neodymium pentafluoropropionate complex, Nd(C2F5COO)3·Dmbp (Dmbp: 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine), was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectra. The optical porperties of the liquid medium which was abtained by dissolving Nd(C2F5COO)3·Dmbp in N,N-dimethylformamide was investigated. Based on absorption and luminescence spectra of Nd(C2F5COO)3·Dmbp in DMF, as well as Judd-Ofelt theory, the three intensity parameters Ωt(t=2,4,6) and emission cross-section were calculated and analyzed The emission cross-section of 4F3/2→4I11/2 fluorescence transition of Nd3+ion was 5.2×10－20cm2, and comparable with some laser glasses, which indicated good radiative properties of this neodymium complex in liquid matrix. According to the photoluminescence spectra, Nd(C2F5COO)3·Dmbp complex will be a promising material for optical gain material in the future.