Catalytic combustion of heavy crude oil by oil-dispersed copper-based catalysts: Effect of different organic ligands

•Cu-based organic salts greatly alter crude oil combustion behavior and kinetic.•Organic ligands affect the catalytic activity of Cu-based organic salts.•Cu(St)2 and Cu(De)2 displayed a much higher catalytic activity than Cu(Ol)2.•Catalytic activity of Cu-based organic salts depends on their decomposition process.•Catalytic activity of organic salts is independent of oxidation of organic ligands.