Copper sulphate

Copper Sulphate is an inorganic compound that is widely used in industries such as agriculture, public health, and education. It is also known as blue vitriol, bluestone, or copper(II) sulfate.

Chemical Properties

Copper Sulphate is a salt that crystallizes in a number of minerals. The anhydrous form is a pale green or gray-white powder, whereas the pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O), the most commonly encountered salt, is bright blue. Copper Sulphate exothermically dissolves in water to give the aqua complex [Cu(H2O)6]2+, which has octahedral molecular geometry.

Production

Copper Sulphate can be produced by the reaction of copper(II) oxide with sulfuric acid, resulting in a hot, concentrated solution of copper sulphate which can be diluted after the reaction has finished. It can also be produced by the reaction of copper with concentrated sulfuric acid, but this method is less common.

Uses

Copper Sulphate has a wide range of applications. In agriculture, it is used as a fungicide, herbicide, and pesticide. In public health, it is used as an algicide in water treatment. In education, it is often used in school laboratories to demonstrate anhydrous and hydrated salts. Copper Sulphate is also used in the preparation of Paris Green, used to kill insects and as a pigment in various products.

Safety

Copper Sulphate is harmful if swallowed and can cause burns and eye damage. Therefore, it should be handled with care. It is also harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

See Also

• Copper
• Sulphate
• Inorganic Compounds
• Chemical Reaction
• Agriculture
• Public Health
• Education