Copper Powders for Chemical Applications

Copper powders may be used in many different chemical applications such as the production of copper salts (Nitrate, Sulfate, ..) and production of diphenyl (in Ullmann Reaction).

Pyrotechnics
Copper powder may be added to a composition that contains ammonium perchlorate to create a pretty blue flame.
Only 5% copper powder is adequate. Unfortunately ammonium perchlorate reacts with copper powder generating heat and ammonia gas in the presence of moisture. So the composition must be well protected from moisture.

Copper Compounds:

Common oxidation states of copper include the less stable copper(I) state, Cu+; and the more stable copper(II) state, Cu2+, which forms blue or blue-green salts and solutions. Under unusual conditions, a 3+ state and even an extremely rare 4+ state can be obtained. Using old nomenclature for the naming of salts, copper(I) is called cuprous, and copper(II) is cupric. In oxidation copper is mildly basic.

Copper(II) carbonate is green from which arises the unique appearance of copper-clad roofs or domes on some buildings. Copper(II) sulfate forms a blue crystalline pentahydrate which is perhaps the most familiar copper compound in the laboratory. It is used as a fungicide, known as Bordeaux mixture.

There are two stable copper oxides, copper(II) oxide (CuO) and copper(I) oxide (Cu2O). Copper oxides are used to make yttrium barium copper oxide (YBa2Cu3O7-δ) or YBCO which forms the basis of many unconventional superconductors.

Copper(I) compounds: copper(I) chloride, copper(I) bromide, copper(I) iodide, copper(I) oxide.
Copper(II) compounds: copper(II) acetate, copper(II) carbonate, copper(II) chloride, copper(II) hydroxide, copper(II) nitrate, copper(II) oxide, copper(II) sulfate, copper(II) sulfide, copper(II) tetrafluoroborate, copper(II) triflate.


 

Questions? Please call 973-405-6247 to discuss your specific needs.