Copper carbonate (CuCO3) is a blue-green compound formed naturally through the reaction of Cu salts with carbonate ions. It has various industrial applications, including pigments and fungicides.
| IUPAC Name | Copper(II) carbonate |
| Molecular Formula | CuCO3 |
| CAS Number | 1184-64-1 |
| Synonyms | Basic copper carbonate, Cupric carbonate, Copper monocarbonate |
| InChI | InChI=1S/CH2O3.Cu/c2-1(3)4;/h(H2,2,3,4);/q;+2/p-2 |
Copper Carbonate Properties
Copper Carbonate Formula
The chemical formula of cupric carbonate is CuCO3. It represents a combination of one copper (Cu) atom, one carbon (C) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms. This formula provides crucial information about the elemental composition of the compound.
Copper Carbonate Molar Mass
Cupric carbonate has a molar mass of approximately 123.55 grams per mole (g/mol). Molar mass is the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms present in one mole of the substance and is expressed in grams per mole.
Copper Carbonate Boiling Point
Cupric carbonate does not have a distinct boiling point since it decomposes into CuO and carbon dioxide when heated at around 200°C. Therefore, it undergoes a thermal decomposition rather than boiling.
Copper Carbonate Melting Point
Cupric carbonate has a melting point of about 200°C (392°F). At this temperature, the solid cupric carbonate transforms into a liquid state. However, it should be noted that it decomposes before reaching its boiling point.
Copper Carbonate Density g/mL
The density of cupric carbonate is approximately 3.6 grams per milliliter (g/mL). Density measures the mass of a substance per unit volume, indicating how closely its particles are packed together.
Copper Carbonate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of cupric carbonate, also known as its molar mass, is around 123.55 g/mol. This value is crucial for various chemical calculations and conversions.
Copper Carbonate Structure
Cupric carbonate adopts a trigonal planar structure. The central copper atom is surrounded by three oxygen atoms and one carbonate group, which consists of one carbon and three oxygen atoms bonded together.
Copper Carbonate Solubility
Cupric carbonate is sparingly soluble in water, which means it only dissolves to a limited extent. The solubility is affected by factors like temperature and pH. It reacts with acids to form copper salts and release carbon dioxide gas.
| Appearance | Blue-green solid |
| Specific Gravity | ~3.6 g/mL |
| Color | Blue-green |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | ~123.55 g/mol |
| Density | ~3.6 g/mL |
| Melting Point | ~200°C (392°F) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at ~200°C |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Sparingly soluble, affected by temperature and pH |
| Solubility | Insoluble in most solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Alkaline (basic) |
Copper Carbonate Safety and Hazards
Cupric carbonate poses certain safety and hazard considerations. It is essential to handle it with care to avoid potential risks. Direct contact with skin, eyes, or inhalation of dust may cause irritation and discomfort. Prolonged exposure or ingestion can be harmful and may lead to more severe health issues. It can release toxic fumes, including carbon dioxide, when heated, necessitating proper ventilation. Moreover, cupric carbonate is flammable in powder form, demanding cautious storage and handling to prevent fire hazards. To ensure safety, always follow safety guidelines, wear appropriate protective gear, and store the compound away from incompatible materials.
| Hazard Symbols | Irritant, Hazard |
| Safety Description | Handle with care. Avoid direct contact. Use in well-ventilated areas. Follow safety guidelines and wear protective gear. |
| UN IDs | Not assigned |
| HS Code | 2836.40.0000 |
| Hazard Class | Not classified |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| Toxicity | Low toxicity; can cause irritation and discomfort on contact; avoid ingestion and inhalation. |
Copper Carbonate Synthesis Methods
Various methods exist to synthesize cupric carbonate, all involving combining Cu salts with carbonate sources. One common approach is reacting CuSO4 with sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) in an aqueous solution. This reaction yields a precipitate of cupric carbonate, and filtration separates it, followed by drying to obtain the solid product.
Another method entails the reaction of CuCl2 with sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) in a similar aqueous environment. This reaction produces cupric carbonate and sodium chloride (NaCl) as a byproduct.
Furthermore, bubbling carbon dioxide (CO2) through a solution of Cu(OH)2 forms cupric carbonate precipitate as the hydroxide converts.
Cu metal interacts with gaseous carbon dioxide in a controlled environment to produce cupric carbonate.
Controlling reaction conditions, such as temperature and concentration, becomes crucial to achieving desired yields and purity. These methods offer the means to produce cupric carbonate for various industrial applications, including its use as a pigment, fungicide, or in other chemical processes.
Copper Carbonate Uses
Cupric carbonate finds versatile applications across various industries due to its unique properties. Here are some key uses of cupric carbonate:
- Pigments: Cupric carbonate widely imparts vibrant blue-green hues to paints, ceramics, and plastics, enhancing their appearance.
- Agricultural Fungicide: It effectively serves as a fungicide in agriculture, safeguarding crops from fungal infections and promoting healthy plant growth.
- Wood Preservation: Cupric carbonate finds use in wood preservation formulations, protecting timber from decay and insect damage.
- Electroplating: It crucially facilitates electroplating processes, enabling the deposition of a copper coating on various metal surfaces, enhancing conductivity and corrosion resistance.
- Catalyst: Cupric carbonate acts as an active catalyst in several chemical reactions, accelerating reaction rates without undergoing significant changes itself.
- Algaecide: In water treatment, it actively functions as an algaecide, controlling algae growth in reservoirs, ponds, and water systems.
- Glass Manufacturing: Cupric carbonate actively contributes to the production of green-tinted glass products like bottles and decorative glassware in the glass manufacturing industry.
- Artificial Jewelry: The production of artificial jewelry actively incorporates cupric carbonate, providing an affordable alternative to genuine copper-based jewelry.
- Analytical Chemistry: Cupric carbonate finds active employment as a reagent in analytical chemistry for conducting various tests and experiments.
- Fireworks and Pyrotechnics: It actively contributes to the vivid green color in fireworks and pyrotechnic displays.
The diverse range of applications showcases the significance of cupric carbonate as a valuable chemical compound in numerous industries, enhancing products and processes alike.
Questions:
Q: How many moles of oxygen atoms are there in 5.67 moles of copper(II) carbonate?
A: In 5.67 moles of copper(II) carbonate, there are 17.01 moles of oxygen atoms (3 oxygen atoms per 1 mole of CuCO3).
Q: Is copper carbonate soluble?
A: Cupric carbonate is sparingly soluble in water.
Q: Which element is most likely to allow electricity to pass through it – copper, carbon, helium, or sulfur?
A: Copper is the element most likely to allow electricity to pass through it, as it is a good conductor of electricity.
Q: How to make copper carbonate?
A: Cupric carbonate can be prepared by reacting Cu salts with carbonate sources, such as sodium carbonate or by bubbling carbon dioxide through a solution of Cu(OH)2.
Q: How to use copper carbonate in pottery?
A: Cupric carbonate is used in pottery as a ceramic glaze to add a blue-green color to the finished pieces.
Q: Is CuCO3 soluble in water?
A: CuCO3 is sparingly soluble in water.
Q: How might you use a precipitation reaction to prepare a sample of CuCO3?
A: To prepare CuCO3 through a precipitation reaction, you can mix a soluble Cu salt with a soluble carbonate salt, leading to the formation of insoluble cupric carbonate, which can be separated by filtration.
Q: What is the name of the compound CuCO3?
A: The compound CuCO3 is named cupric(II) carbonate.
Q: What is the molar mass of CuCO3?
A: The molar mass of CuCO3 is approximately 123.55 g/mol.
Q: Is CuCO3 soluble or insoluble?
A: CuCO3 is insoluble in most solvents, including water.
Q: What is copper(II) carbonate made up of?
A: Cupric(II) carbonate is composed of one Cu atom, one carbon (C) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms