catena-Poly[hemi{bis­[4′-(3-pyrid­yl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-κ(3) N (1),N (1′),N (1′′)]copper(II)} [cuprate(I)-di-μ(2)-thio­cyanato-κ(2) N:S;κ(2) S:N]]

The title compound, {[Cu(C(20)H(14)N(4))(2)][Cu(2)(NCS)(4)]}(n), was obtained by reacting copper acetate hydrate, ammonium thio­cyanate and 4′-(3-pyrid­yl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (3-pytpy) under solvothermal conditions. The polymeric complex is isostructural with the 4′-phenyl-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (phtpy) analogue. All intramolecular distances and angles are very similar for the two structures. Substitution of a phenyl group with a pyridyl group has no significant effect on the crystal packing which is accomplished by C—H⋯N and C—H⋯S hydrogen-bonding interactions.