We describe the preparation and crystal structures of the ionic complexes [Cu(bipy) 2 {ONC(CN) 2 }] CF 3 SO 3 (1b), [Cu(phen) 2 {ONC(CN) 2 }]PF 6 (2p) and [Cu(bipy) 2 {ONC(CN) 2 }]PF 6 (2b). In the complex cations [Cu(L) 2 {ONC(CN) 2 }] + (L is 2,2 0 -bipyridine (bipy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen)) the two molecules of bipy or phen coordinate to the copper atom through two nitrogen atoms along with the oxygen atom of the nitrosodicyanomethanide anion, ONC(CN) 2 -, to form a {CuN 4 O} chromophore with a distorted square pyramidal coordination sphere in (1b) and (2b) and a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry in (2p). The basal plane in (1b) and (2b) is formed by an oxygen atom coordinated at the Cu1-O1 distance of 1.990(2) and 2.002(2) Å , respectively, and three nitrogen atoms coordinated to the copper atom at similar distances with the average of 2.01(2) and 2.00(3) Å , respectively. The axial position is occupied by the fourth N atom at the longer distance of 2.222(2) and 2.185(2) Å , respectively. The trifluoromethanesulfonate anion (triflate), CF 3 SO 3 -, in (1b) might be considered as very weakly coordinated in the opposite axial position (Cu1-O2 = 2.719(2) Å ). The equatorial plane in (2p) is formed by an oxygen atom coordinated at the Cu1-O1 distance of 1.975(3) Å , and two nitrogen atoms from different phen molecules coordinated to the copper atom at the same distance within 2 r with the average distance of 2.124(2) Å . The axial positions are occupied by the remaining two nitrogen atoms coordinated at shorter distance (average Cu-N = 1.99(3) Å ). The hexafluorophosphate anions, PF 6 -, in (2p) and (2b) remain uncoordinated. Besides the ionic forces, the structures of (2p) and (2b) may be stabilized by very weak C-HÁÁÁF whereas the structure of (1b) by very weak C-HÁÁÁF, C-HÁÁÁO and C-HÁÁÁN hydrogen bonds. The structural-spectral correlations are also discussed.