The reactions of the copper(I) derivative [CuL(THF)(CH3CN)]PF6 (1), in which L is the di-imine/pyridine ligand 2,6-bis[1-(2,6-diisopropylphenylimino)ethyl]pyridine, with different β-diketones (2,4-pentanedione (acacH), 1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanedione (dbm)) yielded the new Cu(I) salt [CuL′2]PF6 (2) (L′: 2-[acetyl]-6-[1-(2,6-diisopropylphenylimino)ethyl]pyridine). These reactions of β-diketones with a di-imine/pyridine ligand co-ordinated to a Cu(I) centre constitute the first example of a partial hydrolysis of such a Schiff base within the inner sphere of a Cu centre. Compound 2·acaH has been characterised by X-ray crystallography. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.