Copper(I) sulfide (Cu2S) is a black solid compound. It is used as a p-type semiconductor and a catalyst in various industrial applications such as solar cells and hydrogen production.
| IUPAC Name | Copper(1+) sulfide |
| Molecular Formula | Cu2S |
| CAS Number | 22205-45-4 |
| Synonyms | Copper monosulfide, Copper sulfide, Copper(1+) sulphide, Copper sulphide, Cupric sulfide, Cuprous sulfide |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2Cu.S/q2*+1;-2 |
Copper(I) sulfide molar mass
Copper(I) sulfide has a molar mass of 159.16 g/mol. The molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance, which is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of the elements present in the compound. Copper(I) sulfide is composed of two copper atoms and one sulfur atom, each with its respective atomic masses. Knowing the molar mass is important in various chemical calculations, such as determining the amount of a substance needed for a particular reaction or finding the empirical formula of a compound.
Copper(I) sulfide boiling point
Copper(I) sulfide has a high melting point of 1,103°C, but it does not have a distinct boiling point. This is because when heated to high temperatures, copper(I) sulfide decomposes rather than boiling. The decomposition of copper(I) sulfide leads to the formation of copper and copper sulfide gases, which can then be collected and analyzed. The lack of a boiling point for copper(I) sulfide is not unusual for many solid compounds that decompose upon heating.
Copper(I) sulfide melting point
Copper(I) sulfide has a melting point of 1,103°C. The high melting point is due to the strong ionic bonding between the copper and sulfur atoms in the crystal lattice structure of the compound. The high melting point of copper(I) sulfide makes it useful in high-temperature applications, such as in solar cells, where it acts as a p-type semiconductor.
Copper(I) sulfide density g/ml
Copper(I) sulfide has a density of 5.6 g/mL. The density of a substance is the mass of a substance per unit volume. The high density of copper(I) sulfide is due to the heavy atoms present in the compound, as well as its crystal structure. The high density of copper(I) sulfide makes it useful in a variety of applications, including as a pigment in ceramics and glass.
Copper(I) sulfide molecular weight
The molecular weight of copper(I) sulfide is 159.16 g/mol. The molecular weight is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule. Copper(I) sulfide has a simple chemical formula consisting of two copper atoms and one sulfur atom, so its molecular weight is relatively easy to calculate. The molecular weight of a compound is important in various chemical calculations, such as determining the stoichiometry of a reaction or finding the molecular formula of a compound.
Copper(I) sulfide Structure
Copper(I) sulfide has a crystal lattice structure that is face-centered cubic (fcc). The crystal structure is made up of copper and sulfur atoms, with each copper atom surrounded by four sulfur atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement. The strong ionic bonding between the copper and sulfur atoms results in a stable crystal structure with a high melting point. The crystal structure of copper(I) sulfide is important in understanding its physical and chemical properties, as well as its various applications.
Copper(I) sulfide formula
The chemical formula for copper(I) sulfide is Cu2S, which indicates that the compound is made up of two copper atoms and one sulfur atom. The formula for a compound provides information on the elements present and the number of atoms of each element in the compound. The formula for copper(I) sulfide is useful in various chemical calculations, such as determining the mole ratio of copper and sulfur in the compound or finding the empirical formula of the compound.
| Appearance | Black solid |
| Specific Gravity | 5.6 g/mL |
| Color | Black |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 159.16 g/mol |
| Density | 5.6 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 1,103°C |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes upon heating |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water and organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Not applicable |
Copper(I) sulfide (Cu2S) Safety and Hazards
Copper(I) sulfide (Cu2S) is generally considered to be safe for handling, as it is a stable and non-reactive solid compound. However, like all chemicals, it should be handled with care to prevent any accidental exposure. Inhalation of the dust or fumes from the compound should be avoided, as it can cause irritation to the respiratory system. Skin contact with Copper(I) sulfide (Cu2S) may also cause irritation or allergic reactions, therefore gloves and other protective clothing should be worn while handling it. In case of accidental ingestion, medical attention should be sought immediately. Proper handling, storage, and disposal procedures should be followed to prevent environmental hazards.
| Hazard Symbols | None |
| Safety Description | Avoid inhalation and skin contact. Wear protective clothing. |
| UN IDs | Not regulated |
| HS Code | 284290 |
| Hazard Class | Not classified as hazardous |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| Toxicity | Low toxicity |
Copper(I) sulfide (Cu2S) Synthesis Methods
There are several methods to synthesize Copper(I) sulfide (Cu2S), including:
- Direct synthesis method: This involves reacting copper powder with sulfur at high temperatures in an inert atmosphere to form copper(I) sulfide.
- Solvothermal method: This involves heating a mixture of copper acetate and thiourea in a solvent at high temperatures and pressures to form Copper(I) sulfide particles.
- Hydrothermal method: This involves reacting copper salts and sulfur in an aqueous solution at high temperatures and pressures to form Copper(I) sulfide.
- Chemical vapor deposition method: This involves decomposing a copper-containing precursor in a gaseous environment containing sulfur to form Copper(I) sulfide films.
- Spray pyrolysis method: This involves spraying a solution containing copper salts and sulfur onto a heated substrate to form a thin film of Copper(I) sulfide.
- Co-precipitation method: This involves precipitating copper and sulfur ions simultaneously in an aqueous solution using a suitable precipitating agent to form Copper(I) sulfide.
- Electrochemical method: This involves using an electrochemical cell to deposit Copper(I) sulfide onto a substrate from a solution containing copper and sulfur ions.
These methods offer varying degrees of control over the size, shape, and properties of the resulting Copper(I) sulfide particles or films, making them useful for different applications.
Copper(I) sulfide (Cu2S) Uses
Copper(I) sulfide (Cu2S) is a useful compound with a variety of applications in different fields. Here are some of its uses:
- Photovoltaic cells: Used in the manufacturing of photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic cells are used to produce electricity.
- Pigments: Used as a pigment in the manufacturing of various products, including ceramics, glass, and plastics. It provides a deep black color that is resistant to fading and weathering.
- Lubricants: Used as a lubricant in various applications due to its low coefficient of friction. It is particularly useful in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
- Semiconductors: Used as a semiconductor material in electronics and optoelectronics applications. It has unique optical and electronic properties that make it suitable for various applications, including photovoltaic cells, sensors, and detectors.
- Fungicides: Used as a fungicide in agriculture to protect crops from fungal diseases. It is an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical fungicides.
- Inorganic pigments: Used in the manufacturing of inorganic pigments. These pigments are used in the production of colored glass, ceramics, and glazes. Its deep black color is resistant to fading and weathering, making it a popular choice for long-lasting pigments.
Questions:
Q: What is Cu2S?
A: Cu2S is the chemical formula for Copper(I) sulfide, a copper sulfide compound that is commonly used in various applications, including photovoltaic cells, pigments, semiconductors, and fungicides.
Q: What will heating a mixture of Cu2O and Cu2S give?
A: Heating a mixture of Cu2O and Cu2S will give a mixture of copper and sulfur dioxide gases, along with any unreacted Cu2O or Cu2S that remains.
Q: What is the compound name of Cu2S? A: The compound name of Cu2S is Copper(I) sulfide.