Effect of coordinated ligands on antiproliferative activity and DNA cleavage property of three mononuclear Cu(II)-terpyridine complexes

► Three new mononuclear Cu (II) terpyridine complexes have been synthesised and crystallographically characterised. ► These complexes have been found to be cytotoxic to cancerous cell line. ► The observed cytotoxicity of the complexes has been found to be due to their ability to bring about apoptotic cell death. ► These compounds may have potential application in chemotherapy.