Four mononuclear complexes of the dimethylterpyridine ligand 1,3-bis(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)pyridine, L, C17H15N3, of the general formula CuLX2 were prepared from different copper(II) salts (X = Cl--1a, Br--1b, NO3--1c and ClO4--1d). Their properties have been characterized through analytical, spectroscopic (EPR, ESI-MS, and IR) and magnetic measurements. Single crystal X-ray structure analyses of these complexes revealed five-coordinate metal ions in 1a, 1b and 1c, whereas id turned out to contain a six-coordinate Cu(II) center and to have both unique magnetic and structural properties, rationalized in terms of the hydrogen-bonding interactions seen in its crystal lattice. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.