Copper sulphate is a blue, crystalline solid with the formula CuSO4. It is commonly used in agriculture, as a fungicide, and in the production of dyes and pigments.
| IUPAC Name | Copper(II) sulfate |
| Molecular Formula | CuSO4 |
| CAS Number | 7758-98-7 |
| Synonyms | Blue Vitriol, Copper Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Sulfuric Acid Copper(2+) Salt, Copper(II) Sulphate, Copper Vitriol, Bluestone |
| InChI | InChI=1S/Cu.H2O4S/c;1-5(2,3)4/h;(H2,1,2,3,4)/q+2;/p-2 |
Copper Sulfate molar mass
Copper Sulfate has a molar mass of 159.609 g/mol for the anhydrous form (CuSO4) and 249.685 g/mol for the pentahydrate form (CuSO4·5H2O). Molar mass is the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms in a molecule. Copper Sulfate’s molar mass is calculated by adding the atomic mass of one copper atom (Cu), one sulfur atom (S), and four oxygen atoms (O) in the anhydrous form, or by adding the molar mass of the anhydrous form with the molar mass of five water molecules (H2O) in the pentahydrate form.
Copper Sulfate boiling point
Copper Sulfate does not have a specific boiling point, as it decomposes before reaching its boiling point. However, the pentahydrate form of Copper Sulfate will lose water molecules when heated, resulting in anhydrous Copper Sulfate, which decomposes at around 650 °C. The decomposition of Copper Sulfate is an endothermic process, meaning that it absorbs heat.
Copper Sulfate melting point
Copper Sulfate has a melting point of 110 °C for the pentahydrate form and 650 °C for the anhydrous form. The melting point is the temperature at which a solid substance changes to a liquid state. Copper Sulfate’s pentahydrate form melts at a lower temperature than the anhydrous form due to the presence of water molecules, which can disrupt the ionic bonds between the copper, sulfur, and oxygen atoms.
Copper Sulfate density g/ml
Copper Sulfate has a density of 3.6 g/mL for the anhydrous form and 2.284 g/mL for the pentahydrate form. Density is the measure of mass per unit volume. Copper Sulfate’s density is affected by the number of water molecules in its structure, as the pentahydrate form has more water molecules per unit volume than the anhydrous form.
Copper Sulfate molecular weight
Copper Sulfate has a molecular weight of 159.609 g/mol for the anhydrous form and 249.685 g/mol for the pentahydrate form. Molecular weight is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule. Copper Sulfate’s molecular weight is used in chemical reactions and stoichiometry calculations to determine the amount of Copper Sulfate needed or produced.
Copper Sulfate Structure
Copper Sulfate has an octahedral structure in both the anhydrous and pentahydrate forms, where one copper atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms and two sulfur atoms. In the pentahydrate form, five water molecules are attached to the octahedral structure, forming a hydrated crystal lattice. The ionic bonds between copper, sulfur, oxygen, and water molecules result in Copper Sulfate’s crystal structure.
Copper Sulfate formula
The formula for Cupric Sulfate is CuSO4, which indicates that it is composed of one Copper (Cu) atom, one Sulphur (S) atom, and four Oxygen (O) atoms. It is also commonly known as Copper (II) Sulfate or Blue Vitriol. The formula indicates the number of atoms of each element present in a molecule.
| Appearance | Blue crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 3.6 (anhydrous); |
| Color | Blue |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 159.609 g/mol (anhydrous); |
| Density | 3.6 g/mL (anhydrous); |
| Melting Point | 110 °C (pentahydrate); |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | 31.6 g/100 mL (20 °C) |
| Solubility | Soluble in methanol, glycerol, slightly soluble in ethanol, insoluble in ether |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | 1.99 |
| pH | 3.5 – 4.5 |
Copper Sulphate Safety and Hazards
Copper Sulphate can pose health hazards if not handled properly. It is harmful if ingested and can cause irritation or burns if it comes in contact with the skin or eyes. Inhalation of its dust or fumes can lead to respiratory irritation or damage. It is also a potential environmental hazard and can be toxic to aquatic life. Precautions must be taken when handling Copper Sulphate, such as wearing protective clothing, gloves, and goggles. In case of ingestion, contact a poison control center or seek medical attention immediately. In case of skin or eye contact, rinse with water for several minutes and seek medical attention.
| Hazard Symbols | Xi (Irritant) |
| Safety Description | Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection. In case of ingestion, seek medical attention. |
| UN Ids | UN3077 (for anhydrous); UN1512 (for pentahydrate) |
| HS Code | 2833.25.00 |
| Hazard Class | 9 (Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods) |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | May be harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, and may cause respiratory irritation |
Copper Sulphate Synthesis Methods
To synthesize Copper Sulphate, one can use various methods, such as reacting Copper with Sulphuric Acid or Copper Oxide or Copper Hydroxide with Sulphuric Acid.
To synthesize Copper Sulphate using the first method, one adds Copper to a reaction vessel containing Sulphuric Acid and applies heat to initiate the reaction. The Copper reacts with Sulphuric Acid, resulting in the production of Copper Sulphate and Water. After that, one cools the resulting mixture and filters it to separate the Copper Sulphate crystals from the remaining solution.
To synthesize Copper Sulphate, one can react Copper Oxide or Copper Hydroxide with Sulphuric Acid in a reaction vessel. After the reaction, the mixture is cooled, and Copper Sulphate crystals are filtered from the remaining solution.
Another method involves the reaction of Copper with Sulphur dioxide and oxygen in a reaction vessel. The reaction produces Copper Sulphate and water. The resulting mixture is cooled and filtered to obtain the Copper Sulphate crystals.
To produce Copper Sulphate, one can utilize the electrolysis method. In this process, an aqueous solution of Copper Sulphate undergoes electrolysis, which results in Copper Sulphate depositing on the anode. Then, the Copper Sulphate crystals are separated from the solution and dried.
Copper Sulphate Uses
Some of the common uses of Copper Sulphate include:
- Used as a fertilizer to provide Copper to the soil, which is essential for the growth of plants. Used as a pesticide to control fungal diseases in crops.
- Added to animal feed as a source of Copper, which is necessary for the growth and development of animals.
Industry
- Used in electroplating to deposit Copper on the surface of other metals, which improves their corrosion resistance.
- Used in water treatment as an algaecide and flocculant to remove algae and other impurities from water.
- Used in analytical chemistry as a reagent for the determination of reducing sugars and proteins.
- Used in the textile industry as a mordant to fix dyes to fabrics and to give them a more vibrant color.
- Used in the pharmaceutical industry as a source of Copper for nutritional supplements and medications.
- Also used in the production of pigments, inks, and paints, as well as in the manufacture of batteries, catalysts, and wood preservatives.
Questions:
Q: Is copper sulfate soluble in water?
A: Yes, Copper Sulfate is highly soluble in water. At room temperature, it can dissolve in water up to a maximum of 203 grams per 100 milliliters of water.
Q: Where to buy copper sulfate near me?
A: Copper sulfate is readily available for purchase at most hardware stores, garden centers, and online retailers. You can also check with your local agricultural supply store or feed store, as Copper Sulfate is commonly used in agriculture and animal feed.
Q: How much copper sulfate per gallon of water?
A: The amount of Copper Sulfate needed per gallon of water depends on the specific application. For example, in agriculture, the recommended rate of application is typically between 1 and 10 pounds per acre. In water treatment, the recommended dosage is typically between 0.2 and 1.0 milligrams per liter of water. It is important to carefully follow the instructions on the label of the Copper Sulfate product to ensure proper usage.
Q: What is the formula for copper (ii) sulfate?
A: The formula for Copper (II) Sulfate is CuSO4.