The copper(II) complex [Cu(pic)(2)]center dot 2H(2)O was synthesized with 2-picolinic acid (Hpic) and copper acetate as reactants by room temperature solid-solid reaction. The composition and structure of the complex was characterized by elemental analyses, single crystal X-ray diffraction, X-ray powder diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry. The crystal structure of the copper(II) complex belongs to triclinic system and space group, with cell parameters of a = 5.1274(16) angstrom, b = 7.641(2) angstrom, c = 9.209(2) angstrom, a = 74.91(2)degrees, beta = 84.56(2)degrees, gamma = 71.58(3)degrees, V = 338.48(15) angstrom(3), Z = 1, F(000) = 175, R-1 = 0.0530, and wR(2) = 0.1141. The Cu(II) ion is six-coordinated through two nitrogen atoms from two pyridine rings and four carboxyl oxygen atoms from four different 2-picolinic acid anions, forming an elongated octahedral geometry. The interaction of carboxylate O and Cu(II) forms an one-dimensional chain structure, and the complex exhibits a two-dimensional layered structure by hydrogen bonds. The thermal decomposition processes of the complex under air include dehydration and pyrolysis of the ligand, and the final residue at about 400 degrees C is copper oxide.