Copper usnate

Copper usnate is a copper salt of usnic acid, a naturally occurring dibenzofuran derivative found in several lichen species. It is used in various applications due to its antimicrobial properties.

Chemistry

Copper usnate is a complex formed by the interaction of copper ions with usnic acid. The copper ion is coordinated by the carboxylate group and the hydroxyl group of the usnic acid molecule. The exact structure of the complex is not well defined, but it is believed to be a polymeric structure with bridging carboxylate groups.

Sources

Usnic acid is a secondary metabolite produced by several lichen species, including Usnea and Cladonia. The copper salt is typically prepared by reacting usnic acid with a copper salt in an aqueous solution.

Uses

Copper usnate has been used in various applications due to its antimicrobial properties. It has been used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. It has also been investigated for its potential use in medical applications, such as wound dressings and antimicrobial coatings for medical devices.

Safety

The safety of copper usnate has been evaluated in several studies. It has been found to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing in skin tests. However, like other copper compounds, it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.

See also

• Copper compounds
• Usnic acid
• Antimicrobial properties

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