Copper acetate (Cu(CH3COO)2) is a blue-green crystalline compound. It forms when copper reacts with acetic acid. It finds applications in various industries, such as catalysts and fungicides.
| IUPAC Name | Copper(II) acetate |
| Molecular Formula | Cu(CH3COO)2 |
| CAS Number | 142-71-2 |
| Synonyms | Cupric acetate, Acetic acid copper salt, Copper diacetate |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2C2H4O2.Cu/c21-2(3)4;/h21H3,(H,3,4);/q;;+2/p-2 |
Copper Acetate Properties
Copper Acetate Formula
Cupric acetate has the chemical formula Cu(CH3COO)2. It consists of one copper (Cu) atom bonded to two acetate (CH3COO) groups. The formula represents the ratio of elements in the compound.
Copper Acetate Molar Mass
The molar mass of cupric acetate can be calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent elements. Copper (Cu) has a molar mass of 63.55 g/mol, while acetate (CH3COO) has a molar mass of 59.04 g/mol. Thus, the molar mass of cupric acetate is 181.63 g/mol.
Copper Acetate Boiling Point
Cupric acetate decomposes before reaching a boiling point due to its thermal instability. Therefore, it does not have a well-defined boiling point. Instead, it undergoes decomposition when heated significantly.
Copper Acetate Melting Point
Cupric acetate typically melts around 115 °C to 120 °C (239 °F to 248 °F). The melting point may vary slightly depending on the purity of the compound.
Copper Acetate Density g/mL
The density of cupric acetate is around 1.882 g/mL. This value corresponds to the mass of cupric acetate per unit volume. The density may vary with temperature and pressure changes.
Copper Acetate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of cupric acetate, calculated from its formula, is 181.63 g/mol. It represents the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms present in one molecule of cupric acetate.
Copper Acetate Structure
Cupric acetate has a crystal lattice structure in its solid form. The copper atoms are coordinated with acetate groups, forming a stable arrangement. It appears as blue-green crystals due to its coordination geometry.
Copper Acetate Solubility
Cupric acetate exhibits moderate solubility in water. It can dissolve in polar solvents due to the presence of acetate ions. However, the solubility may be limited, and its dissolution may be influenced by temperature and pH.
| Appearance | Blue-green crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.882 g/mL |
| Color | Blue-green |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 181.63 g/mol |
| Density | 1.882 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 115°C – 120°C (239°F – 248°F) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Moderate solubility in water |
| Solubility | Soluble in polar solvents, slightly soluble in ether and glycerol |
| Vapor Pressure | Not available |
| Vapor Density | Not available |
| pKa | Not available |
| pH | Acidic (approximately 4-5) |
Copper Acetate Safety and Hazards
Cupric acetate poses certain safety concerns and hazards. It is essential to handle it with care and follow safety protocols. Direct contact with the compound may cause skin and eye irritation. Inhaling its dust or fumes can lead to respiratory discomfort. Avoid ingestion as it can be harmful. Keep it away from incompatible materials and sources of heat or ignition to prevent fire hazards. In case of accidental exposure, rinse affected areas immediately and seek medical attention. Store cupric acetate in a well-ventilated and secure area, away from children and unauthorized individuals. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment when working with this compound.
| Hazard Symbols | Corrosive, Acute Toxic, Irritant |
| Safety Description | Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. Use in a well-ventilated area. Handle with care. |
| UN IDs | Not assigned |
| HS Code | 29152900 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 (Toxic substances) |
| Packing Group | III (Low danger) |
| Toxicity | May cause skin and eye irritation. Inhalation may cause respiratory discomfort. Avoid ingestion. |
Copper Acetate Synthesis Methods
There are several methods to synthesize cupric acetate.
One common approach involves the reaction between copper oxide (CuO) or copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) with acetic acid (CH3COOH). They combine and stir the two substances, which leads to the formation of cupric acetate and water. Another method is the reaction of copper carbonate (CuCO3) with acetic acid, producing cupric acetate, carbon dioxide (CO2), and water.
An alternative synthesis method involves the reaction of copper metal with a mixture of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This reaction leads to the formation of cupric acetate and water. Cupric acetate results from the reaction between copper(II) sulfate (CuSO4) and calcium acetate (Ca(CH3COO)2. This reaction yields cupric acetate and calcium sulfate (CaSO4).
Heating and refluxing a mixture of copper powder and glacial acetic acid produces cupric acetate. This process leads to the formation of cupric acetate. The availability of reagents and the desired purity of the final product determine the distinct advantages of each method.
Copper Acetate Uses
Cupric acetate finds versatile applications across various industries due to its unique properties. Here are some prominent uses:
- Catalyst: Cupric acetate catalyzes numerous organic reactions, including the synthesis of vinyl acetate and acetic anhydride.
- Electroplating: Cupric acetate facilitates electroplating processes, imparting a thin copper layer on metal objects, enhancing their appearance and corrosion resistance.
- Chemical Intermediates: The compound plays a crucial role as an intermediate in producing various chemicals like copper oxide, copper naphthenate, and copper soaps.
- Wood Preservative: Cupric acetate acts as a wood preservative, protecting timber from fungal and insect attacks, commonly employed in preserving railroad ties and utility poles.
- Fungicide: In agriculture, cupric acetate serves as a fungicide to control fungal diseases in crops, particularly in vineyards and fruit orchards.
- Pyrotechnics: Cupric acetate finds application in pyrotechnic formulations, producing vibrant blue and green colors in fireworks and flares.
- Textile Dyeing: It acts as a mordant in textile dyeing processes, facilitating the bonding of dyes to fibers.
- Laboratory Reagent: The compound acts as a reagent in laboratory experiments for qualitative and quantitative analysis.
- Analytical Chemistry: Cupric acetate serves as a test reagent in analytical chemistry for detecting hydrogen sulfide gas.
- Animal Repellent: It functions as an animal repellent to deter certain pests and wildlife from specific areas.
The diverse applications of cupric acetate highlight its significance in various industries, ranging from chemical synthesis to agriculture and beyond. Careful handling and adherence to safety guidelines are essential when utilizing this compound in different processes.
Questions:
Q: Is copper II acetate covalent?
A: No, cupric II acetate is an ionic compound.
Q: What is the molar extinction coefficient at 625 nm for this copper II acetate solution?
A: The molar extinction coefficient at 625 nm for cupric II acetate solution is specific to the concentration of the solution and needs to be determined experimentally.
Q: Can you put cupric acetate monohydrate septic?
A: Cupric acetate monohydrate is not recommended to be used as a septic or drain cleaner due to potential hazards and environmental concerns.
Q: Does a reaction occur when aqueous solutions of barium acetate and copper(II) bromide are combined?
A: Yes, a reaction occurs when aqueous solutions of barium acetate and cupric(II) bromide are combined, resulting in the formation of a precipitate (barium bromide) and soluble cupric acetate.
Q: What is the melting point of cupric acetate?
A: The melting point of cupric acetate is approximately 115°C to 120°C (239°F to 248°F).
Q: How to make cupric acetate from copper sulfate?
A: To make cupric acetate from CuSO4, dissolve CuSO4 in water, and then add acetic acid to the solution until cupric acetate precipitates out. Filter and dry the product.
Q: What is cupric acetate?
A: Cupric acetate is a chemical compound with the formula Cu(CH3COO)2. It is a blue-green crystalline solid and has various industrial applications.
Q: Is cupric acetate soluble in water?
A: Yes, cupric acetate is moderately soluble in water, forming a blue-green solution.
Q: Why is cupric acetate solution cloudy?
A: The cupric acetate solution may become cloudy due to the presence of impurities or the formation of insoluble copper compounds, especially if the solution is not properly prepared or stored.
Q: Cu(OAc)2 oxidation?
A: Copper(II) acetate (Cu(OAc)2) can act as an oxidizing agent in certain reactions, where it undergoes reduction while oxidizing other substances.