Cupric sulfate
[CAS# 7758-98-7]

Identification

• Classification: Inorganic chemical industry >> Inorganic salt >> Metal sulfides and sulfates
• Name: Cupric sulfate
• Synonyms: Copper(II) sulfate
• Molecular Formula: CuSO₄
• Molecular Weight: 159.60
• CAS Registry Number: 7758-98-7
• EC Number: 231-847-6
• SMILES: [O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-].[Cu+2]

Properties

• Density: 3.603 g/mL (20 °C)
• Melting point: 560 °C (dec.)
• Water solubility: 14.3% w/w (20 °C)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H318-H319-H400-H410
• Safety Statements: P264-P264+P265-P270-P273-P280-P301+P317-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338-P305+P354+P338-P317-P321-P330-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P391-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	1A	H350i
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1B	H360D
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1A	H314
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	1	H370
Germ cell mutagenicity	Muta.	2	H341
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1	H314
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Substances or mixtures corrosive to metals	Met. Corr.	1	H290

• Transport Information: UN 3077; UN 9109

Discovery and Applications

Copper sulfate, also known as copper (II) sulfate or CuSO4, was first discovered and isolated in the 17th century by German-Dutch chemist Johann Rudolf Glauber. It consists of copper (Cu²?) ions and sulfate (SO4²?) ions, forming blue crystals that are soluble in water. The compound exists in a variety of forms, including anhydrous (CuSO4) and hydrated forms, such as copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O), which is the most common and stable form.

Copper sulfate is widely used in agriculture as a fungicide and insecticide. It helps control fungal diseases in crops such as grapes, potatoes, and tomatoes by inhibiting the germination and growth of fungal spores. In addition, it can be used as a molluscicide to control snail and slug populations in agricultural fields. In industrial applications, copper sulfate is used in the electroplating process to deposit copper onto metal surfaces. This electroplating method enhances the conductivity, corrosion resistance, and aesthetics of metals used in electronics, automotive parts, and decorative items. Copper sulfate is used in the production of pigments and dyes, especially for making blue and green pigments. It is used as a mordant in dyeing textiles and as a pigment in paints and ceramics, imparting bright and stable colors.

In the laboratory, copper sulfate is used as a standard chemical reagent for a variety of analytical and qualitative tests. Its unique blue color makes it useful for identifying chemical reactions and the presence of other substances in solution. Copper sulfate is used to demonstrate chemical principles, including precipitation reactions, the hydration state of salts, and crystal growth. Its availability and clear crystal structure make it an ideal substance for chemical experiments.

Historically, copper sulfate has been used in medicine as an emetic (to induce vomiting) and to treat copper deficiency. However, its medical use is limited today due to potential toxicity and the emergence of safer alternatives.

References

2003. Susceptibility and features of the ultrastructure of Prototheca zopfii following exposure to copper sulphate, silver nitrate and chlorexidine. Mycopathologia, 156(1).
DOI: 10.1023/a:1021313118632

2007. Development of a daphnia magna DNA microarray for evaluating the toxicity of environmental chemicals. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 26(4).
DOI: 10.1897/06-075r.1

1987. The effect of a combination of copper and hexetidine on plaque formation and the amount of copper retained by dental plaque bacteria. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 45(6).
DOI: 10.3109/00016358709096368