Copper phthalocyanine
[CAS# 147-14-8]

Identification

• Classification: Dyes and pigments >> Pigment
• Name: Copper phthalocyanine
• Synonyms: (29H,31H-phthalocyaninato(2-)-N29,N30,N31,N32)copper; C.I. 74160; Pigment Blue 15; Phthalocyanine blue
• Molecular Formula: C₃₂H₁₆CuN₈
• Molecular Weight: 576.08
• CAS Registry Number: 147-14-8
• EC Number: 205-685-1
• SMILES: c1ccc2c(c1)c/3[n-]c2/nc/4 c(/nc/5 c([n-]c-6n/c(n3)/c7c6cccc7)-c8c5cccc8)-c9c4cccc9.[Cu+2]

Properties

• Melting point: 600 °C (dec.)
• Water solubility: <0.1 g/100 mL at 20 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302-H413
• Safety Statements: P264-P270-P273-P301+P312-P330-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	4	H413
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315

Discovery and Applications

Copper phthalocyanine is a synthetic pigment and chemical compound that belongs to the phthalocyanine family. It is composed of a large, planar macrocyclic structure made up of four isoindole units that surround a central copper ion. This compound, known for its intense blue color, was first synthesized in the 1930s and has since found widespread application in various industries, including the production of dyes, coatings, and solar cells.

The discovery of copper phthalocyanine dates back to 1936 when it was first synthesized by chemical researchers who were exploring ways to create stable and vivid blue pigments. The unique structure of phthalocyanine compounds, which provides both stability and color intensity, was quickly recognized as having potential for use in a range of applications. The synthesis of copper phthalocyanine was a significant breakthrough in the development of durable, non-toxic pigments, and it became one of the most important synthetic dyes used in the 20th century.

Copper phthalocyanine is used primarily as a pigment in a variety of products, including paints, inks, plastics, and textiles. Its strong color and high stability against light and heat degradation make it ideal for use in products that are exposed to the elements. In the paint industry, copper phthalocyanine is commonly used to produce vibrant blue and green colors, which are valued for their permanence and resistance to fading. It is also used in printing inks, where it provides a high-quality, long-lasting color. The compound is highly effective in these applications due to its low toxicity, chemical stability, and excellent adhesion to a wide range of substrates.

In addition to its use as a pigment, copper phthalocyanine has gained attention for its applications in electronics, particularly in organic solar cells and other electronic devices. In these applications, copper phthalocyanine functions as a semiconducting material, where its ability to absorb light and generate electrical charge is harnessed to convert solar energy into electrical power. The compound’s stability, coupled with its high absorption coefficient, makes it a valuable material for the development of low-cost, flexible solar cells. Research in this area continues to explore ways to improve the efficiency of copper phthalocyanine-based solar cells, and it is expected that these materials will play a role in the future of renewable energy technologies.

Copper phthalocyanine also has potential applications in catalysis, where it has been used as a catalyst in various chemical reactions. Its ability to facilitate electron transfer and its stability under a range of conditions make it useful in industrial processes, such as the production of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The compound’s role in catalysis is an area of active research, with scientists investigating its use in reactions such as oxidation and polymerization.

In the field of medicine, copper phthalocyanine has shown promise as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is a treatment that uses light-activated compounds to destroy cancer cells, and copper phthalocyanine’s ability to absorb light and generate reactive oxygen species makes it a potential candidate for use in this therapeutic approach. Although more research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential, copper phthalocyanine has been investigated in preclinical studies for the treatment of various cancers.

Despite its many applications, there are challenges associated with the production and use of copper phthalocyanine. The synthesis of the compound can be complex and costly, which has limited its widespread use in certain industries. However, ongoing research into more efficient and sustainable production methods may help overcome these challenges and expand the compound's use in various fields.

References

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