A new dithiocarbamate ligand, para-methylphenyl dithiocarbamate (L), has been synthesized at room temperature. The ligand was reacted with a cadmium salt to give bis(N-para-methylphenyl dithiocarbamate) Cd(II) (CdL2). The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, NMR (H-1 and C-13), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EDS and FTIR spectroscopic techniques. The complex was further characterized by AC impedance spectroscopy. The spectroscopic analyses of the complex confirm a symmetrical bidentate coordination of the dithio ligand. An investigation into the conductivity of the complex was conducted and impedance measurements proved that the conductivity predominantly arose from the grain contribution as a well-defined semicircle is clearly observed along with an inclined spike. AC impedance spectroscopy investigation suggested that the charge accumulation of the capacitance of grain is less pronounced. Ionic conductivity measurement of the complex in the temperature range of 30-200 degrees C exhibits an Arrhenius correlation. From the temperature dependent conductivity studies, it was observed that the conductivity increased with an increase in temperature which was due to the increase of grain size and carrier density. The activation energy of the complex was found to be 0.463 and 0.964 eV/mol in the low and high temperature region respectively. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.