A Ce3+ complex with tetradentate ligands based on benzimidazole moieties was synthesized. The photochemical properties of the Ce3+ complex were studied via absorption and emission spectra and emission quantum yield measurements. The effective values of the molar absorption coefficient and the emission quantum yield were estimated to be 890 dm(3) mol(-1) cm(-1) and 0.58, respectively; these values are relatively large compared to those of common rare-earth metal complexes that exhibit 4f-4f emissions.