This paper is devoted to investigate a class of complex chaotic systems and a linear correlation between the real and imaginary component of complex variables in these systems is found. Based on this linear relationship, a simplified law is proposed. First, complex Lorenz system is given to show the linear correlation, then it is simplified. Second, a simplified law is proposed to determine whether the complex system can be simplified, and the complex Lü system and hyperchaotic complex Lü system are used to verify the simplified law.Finally, a new synchronization control is proposed to synchronize complex Lorenz system and real Lorenz system. The theoretical analysis and numerical simulation prove the feasibility and better performance of this method.