The compound [{Cu(tren)}(3)(mu 3-tren)](2)(NO3)(12)center dot 3H(2)O has been synthesized, crystallized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry (TG) coupled to FT-IR spectroscopy of the evolved gases, TG-differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and electronic (diffuse reflectance) and FT-IR spectroscopies. The sample loses the crystallization water between room temperature and 200 degrees C. The decomposition of the salt begins with an overlapped decomposition of nitrate anions and some tren ligands where CO2, H2O, CO, NH3, N2O, NO and NO2 are evolved (205-235 degrees C). Then decomposition of additional tren ligands takes place (235-725 degrees C). Finally a non-pure CuO residue is obtained at 725 degrees C. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.