subject: Know More About Copper Sulphate [print this page] Copper sulphate is also known as cupric sulfate, blue vitriol and bluestone. It is one of the most widely used copper salts. The molecular formula for the compound is CuSO4. The appearance of the copper compound varies. The compound appears bluish green crystalline solid in pentahydrate (CuSO45H2O) form. The blue color of the compound is due to the presence of water. Anhydrous cupric sulfate is present in the form of gray-white powder.
Copper sulphate has a molecular weight of 249.68. The compound has a melting point of 110C. The chemical is highly soluble in water and other substances. The ionic compound dissolves in water to yield copper and sulphate ions. The chemical dissolves in water exothermically to produce the aquo complex [Cu(H2O)6]2+. The paramagnetic aquo complex has an octahedral molecular geometry. On heating cupric sulfate at 650 C, the compound decomposes into sulfur trioxide (SO3) and copper (II) oxide (CuO). Cupric sulfate also reacts with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The blue colored solution of blue vitriol turns green on reacting with hydrochloric acid, due to the formation of tetrachlorocuprate.
The yearly consumption of copper sulphate across the world is nearly 200,000 tonnes. Several commercial manufacturers powder the compound before sale. Powdering the chemical makes it easier to handle. Also, powdered cupric sulfate mixes easily with other reagents to produce desired chemical compounds. Copper sulphate is produced commercially by reacting copper metal with hot and concentrated sulfuric acid.
The hydrated CuSO4 occurs naturally in the form of chalcanthite mineral. The mineral is widely found in the arid regions across the world. Further anhydrous cupric sulfate exists naturally in the form of chalcocyanite mineral. The compound also exists naturally in two more forms, boothite (heptahydrate) and bonattite (trihydrate).
The versatile chemical has a wide range of industrial and agricultural applications. Approximately three-quarters of total cupric sulfate produced across the world is used for agricultural activities. The chemical is widely used as a fungicide, herbicide and pesticide. The chemical has an ability to kill parasites, weeds and fungus. Cupric sulfate is used in preparation of several fungicides, such as tribasic copper sulphate, copper carbonate, copper-lime dust, cuprous oxide, Bordeaux mixture and Burgundy mixture. The chemical is also used to prepare insecticides, such as Paris green and copper arsenite. The copper salt is also used to prepare molluscicide for killing slugs and snails.
Further, the compound is widely used for water treatment in order to prevent the accumulation of unwanted algae and other living organisms. Also, the chemical is widely used in the fertilizer industry. The chemical is used to treat copper deficient soils. The compound is also used as a growth stimulant for pigs and chickens.
