The molecular structure of a copper(II) nitrate complex with acrylamide (AA), Cu(NO3)(2) . 4(CH2=CHC(O)NH2), was determined using X-ray diffraction analysis. The coordination of AA involves the carbonyl O atom (Cu-O 1.952-1.958 Angstrom). The X-ray study revealed the structural features of the compound that determine its chemical properties and prevent its frontal polymerization.