Synthesis, characterization, and study on HeLa cells activity of a dinuclear complex [Cu4(phen)4(H2O)2]·(pyri)·3H2O

► The complex [Cu4(phen)4(H2O)2] · (pyri) · 3H2O has been synthesized and characterized. ► The binding of the complex was investigated, indicating that the replacement of the EB fluorophore by the copper complex results in decrease in the emission intensity. ► The complex exhibited cytotoxic specificity and significant cancer cell inhibitory rate.