A new Cu(II) complex [Cu(cyhxn)2(H2O)2][OTf]2 was synthesised by the reaction of ligand cyhxn (cyhxn = trans-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine) with Cu(OTf)2 in methanol at room temperature. The complex was fully characterized by elemental analysis (CHN), FT-IR, UV–Vis and EPR spectroscopic techniques. The structure of the complex was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction study. The EPR spectrum is isotropic type having giso = 2.078, which indicates a distorted octahedral geometry of the complex. The complex was found to be an active homogeneous catalyst for the homocoupling reactions of arylboronic acid to obtain symmetrical biaryls at room temperature in methanol without the use of any additives such as a base and or an oxidant. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.