Laboratory Applications of Granular Copper (CU12HP, CU23HP, CU35HP)

1. Displacement and Redox Reactions Demonstration of metal displacement:

• For example, reacting copper granules with silver nitrate (AgNO3​) to demonstrate the displacement of silver by copper:
  Cu (s)+2AgNO3(aq)→Cu(NO3)2(aq)+2Ag (s)
• A classic high school or undergraduate chemistry experiment.

2. Reduction of Organic Compounds

Copper can be used as a reductant in certain organic reactions, such as:

• Reduction of nitro compounds.
• Part of catalytic systems like Cu/Fe or Cu/Zn in hydrogenation reactions.

3. Catalyst or Catalyst Support

• Used in some organic synthesis or gas-phase reactions, especially in educational labs to show catalytic behavior.
• For example, copper catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide or the Wurtz-type couplings.

4. Generation of Hydrogen Gas

Used with concentrated acids like sulfuric acid:

Cu+H2SO4→CuSO4+H2↑

• This reaction is slower than with zinc, but is used to compare the reactivity of metals.

5. Electrochemical and Galvanic Cell Demonstrations

The granules are used in:

• Galvanic cells (paired with another metal to produce current).
• Electrolysis experiments, especially when teaching basic electrochemical principles.

6. Copper Surface Chemistry or Cleaning Studies

Labs might use granular copper to study:

• Surface reactions (e.g., oxidation, patination).
• Cleaning and passivation treatments.
• Microbial resistance or antimicrobial testing.

7. Material Science & Metallurgical Studies

• Used in labs testing melting, sintering, alloying, or particle size behavior.
• May be mixed with binders for powder metallurgy experiments.

8. Gas Purification

Deoxygenation of gas streams(e.g., removal of oxygen from nitrogen or argon).

• Heated copper granules can be used to scavenge oxygen in inert gas systems.