Crystal structure, spectroscopic, magnetic and electronic structure studies of a novel Cu(II) amino acid complex [Cu(l-arg)2(H2O)]2(P4O12)·8H2O

► Crystal structure of unusual cationic binuclear complex of [Cu(l-arg)2(H2O)]2(P4O12)·8H2O. ► An anti-syn equatorial-apical carboxylate bridging mode of both copper (II) centers. ► [Cu(l-arg)2(H2O)]24+ are held together by extensive H-bonds into wave-like layer. ► Magnetic measurements exhibit an antiferomagnetic interaction between Cu(II). ► Electronic structure calculation confirms the insulator state of the complex.