The complex [Dy(BA)(3)bipy](2) (BA = benzoate; bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine) was obtained and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, infrared spectra (IR), ultraviolet spectra (UV), single-crystal X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and differential thermogravimetry (TG-DTG) techniques. The crystal is monoclinic with space group P2(1)/n. The unit cell parameters are: a = 14.1114(8) angstrom, b = 15.3743(9) angstrom, c = 25.8887(14) angstrom, a = 90 degrees, beta = 103.4410(10)degrees, y = 90 degrees. Two Dy(3+) ions are connected by four carboxylic groups through a bridging bidentate mode. The thermal decomposition behavior of the title complex under a static air atmosphere was studied using the TG-DTG, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and IR techniques. The nonisothermal kinetics was investigated by using the double equal-double steps method and the Starink method. The mechanism function of the first decomposition step was determined. The thermodynamic parameters (Delta H(not equal), Delta G(not equal), and Delta S(not equal)) and kinetic parameters (activation energy E and the pre-exponential factor A) were also calculated.