We report the synthesis of CuO nanostructures by metal organic framework (MOF) based approach. Spherical shaped, phase pure CuO nanoparticles are obtained by controlled pyrolysis of Cu-based MOF. Electrochemical properties are evaluated in half-cell assembly and it is found that ∼1.6mol of Li (∼538mAhg–1) is cycleable via conversion reaction. Further, MOF derived CuO retained ∼90% of initial reversible capacity after 40 cycles. Rate performance studies showed the deliverable reversible capacity of ∼210mAhg–1 at high current rate of 2Ag–1.