In this paper, Zn (DPBA) (bpp) complex was synthesized with 2-(3’,4’-dicarboxyphenoxy) benzoate (DPBA) as the first ligand, and 1,3-bis (4-pyridyl)-propane (bpp) as the second ligand. The complex shows a one-dimensional chain structure, and its asymmetric unit includes one Zn(Ⅱ), one DPBA ligand and one bpp ligand. Zn(Ⅱ) ion is coordinated with four oxygen atoms and one nitrogen atom. The complex has good fluorescence property with a wide emission band appearing at 375 nm, which is the π*—π transition of the ligand. Compared with the fluorescence emission of the ligands, the emission peak of the complex is blue shifted, and the emission intensity is greatly enhanced. The fluorescence properties of the complex in common solvents and metal cations were also studied. Experimental results show that the influence of different small organic molecules or different metal cations on the fluorescence of the complex, small organic molecule nitrobenzene and Fe3+ make the fluorescence quenching of the complex. Thus, the complex can be used for the detection of nitrobenzene and Fe3+ ion in the water and ethanol system.