Solid complexes of lanthanide picrates with a new amide type tripodal ligand, 2,2′,2″-nitrilotris-( N-phenylmethyl)-acetamide ( L) have been prepared. The X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis indicates that the ML 2 type complexes [Pr L 2(Pic)](Pic) 2 and [Nd L 2(Pic)](Pic) 2 are isomorphous. And the ML 2 complex units are hydrogen bonded to give infinite one-dimensional zigzag supramolecular chains which are further linked by the interchain hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions of the picrate groups to form two-dimensional layer. The luminescent property of the Eu (III) complex is described.