Two types of copper(II) complexes CuL1Cl and CuL2COOCH3 with tetradentate 4-methyl-N-[2-[(E)-2-pyridylmethyliminomethyl]phenyl]benzene-sulfamide (L1) and 4-methyl-N-[2-[(E)-2-pyridylethyliminomethyl]phenyl]-benzenesulfamide (L2) ligands were synthesized. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared and 1H NMR spectra, magnetochemical measurements, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The Cu atoms in the complexes CuL1Cl and CuL2COOCH3 are coordinated by tosylamine N,O, imino N and pyridine N atoms of the Schiff base ligand, and one Cl or acetate ligand at the apex, thus forming the strongly distorted square-pyramidal or octahedral environment, respectively. Complexes CuL1Cl and CuL2COOCH3 are paramagnetic. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.