Copper oleate
[CAS# 10402-16-1]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Carboxylic compounds and derivatives
• Name: Copper oleate
• Synonyms: Copper (Z)-octadec-9-enoate
• Molecular Formula: C₃₆H₆₆CuO₄
• Molecular Weight: 626.45
• CAS Registry Number: 10402-16-1
• EC Number: 233-866-5
• SMILES: CCCCCCCC/C=C\CCCCCCCC(=O)[O-].CCCCCCCC/C=C\CCCCCCCC(=O)[O-].[Cu+2]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07;GHS09 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H302-H400-H410-H411
• Precautionary Statements: P264-P270-P273-P301+P317-P330-P391-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412

Discovory and Applicatios

Copper oleate is a copper(II) carboxylate complex derived from the reaction of copper salts with oleic acid, a long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid. It typically has the formula Cu(C₁₈H₃₃O₂)₂ and appears as a dark green to blue-green viscous liquid or waxy solid, depending on preparation method and purity. The molecule consists of a copper(II) center coordinated to two oleate anions through their carboxylate groups, with the hydrocarbon chains providing hydrophobic properties and solubility in nonpolar organic solvents.

The discovery of copper oleate is closely tied to the development of metal carboxylate chemistry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when fatty acid metal salts were explored for lubrication, waterproofing, and pigment preparation. Early literature on copper soaps documented their preparation by double decomposition of sodium oleate with copper(II) sulfate or by direct neutralization of oleic acid with copper(II) hydroxide. The compound’s stability in hydrophobic environments and compatibility with organic media encouraged its use in industrial and research applications.

One major application of copper oleate is in the preparation of copper oxide and copper-based nanoparticles through thermal decomposition or solvent-phase synthesis. In these processes, copper oleate acts both as a metal precursor and as a surfactant, with the oleate chains controlling nanoparticle growth and preventing aggregation. This approach is widely used for producing monodisperse copper oxide nanocrystals for catalysis, electronics, and antimicrobial materials.

Copper oleate has also been used as a catalyst or catalyst precursor in organic transformations. The long-chain oleate ligand imparts solubility in organic phases, making the complex suitable for phase-transfer catalytic systems and for homogeneous catalysis in nonpolar media. In polymer chemistry, copper oleate has served as a stabilizer and colorant in certain plastic formulations, as well as a drier in oil-based paints where it promotes oxidative curing of unsaturated oils.

In lubrication and corrosion protection, copper oleate has been incorporated into greases and coatings to enhance antioxidative and antifouling properties. Its hydrophobicity and adherence to metal surfaces help provide a protective barrier against moisture and environmental degradation.

The compound’s handling requires standard laboratory precautions. While oleic acid is of low toxicity, the copper center can pose health hazards if ingested or inhaled in particulate form. Copper oleate should be stored in sealed containers away from strong oxidizing agents, and use of gloves, goggles, and protective clothing is recommended.

Commercially, copper oleate is available from specialty chemical suppliers, often synthesized to specific metal content requirements. Purity and ligand composition can influence physical properties and reactivity, making quality control important for applications in nanomaterials synthesis and catalysis.

References

2024. A synthesis method and application method of co-doped perovskite nanocrystals. Chinese Patent Application, CN-119242303-A.
Priority Date: 2024-10-25
URL: https://patents.google.com/patent/CN119242303A

2024. A method for preparing micro-nano metal organic framework by oil-water two-phase method and its application. Chinese Patent Application, CN-118344611-A.
Priority Date: 2024-05-11
URL: https://patents.google.com/patent/CN118344611A

2023. Copper internal electrode slurry for multilayer antiferroelectric ceramic capacitors and preparation method thereof. Chinese Patent Application, CN-117316639-A.
Priority Date: 2023-11-02
URL: https://patents.google.com/patent/CN117316639A