Copper sulfate pentahydrate
[CAS# 7758-99-8]

Identification

• Classification: Inorganic chemical industry >> Inorganic salt >> Metal sulfides and sulfates
• Name: Copper sulfate pentahydrate
• Synonyms: Copper (II) sulfate
• Molecular Formula: CuSO₄.5(H₂O)
• Molecular Weight: 249.68
• CAS Registry Number: 7758-99-8
• EC Number: 616-477-9
• SMILES: O.O.O.O.O.[O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-].[Cu+2]

Properties

• Density: 2.284
• Melting point: 110 °C
• Water solubility: 320 g/L (20 °C)

Safety Data

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

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	4	H413
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373
Germ cell mutagenicity	Muta.	2	H341
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	1	H370
Respiratory sensitization	Resp. Sens.	1	H334
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	1	H310

• Transport Information: UN 3077

Discovery and Applications

Copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO₄·5H₂O) is a vibrant blue crystalline compound that has been utilized for centuries in various applications. Its discovery dates back to ancient times when it was recognized for its distinct color and properties. The compound is derived from copper(II) sulfate, which can be synthesized through the reaction of sulfuric acid with copper oxide or copper carbonate. The pentahydrate form is formed by the incorporation of water molecules into the crystal lattice, resulting in the characteristic blue color.

Historically, copper sulfate has been used for a multitude of purposes, ranging from agriculture to medicine. In ancient civilizations, it was utilized for its fungicidal and herbicidal properties. The Egyptians and Greeks employed copper compounds for their antimicrobial effects, laying the foundation for its modern applications.

In agriculture, copper sulfate pentahydrate is widely used as a fungicide and algaecide. It effectively controls fungal diseases in crops and is a key component in Bordeaux mixture, a widely used fungicide composed of copper sulfate and lime. Farmers apply this compound to grapevines, fruit trees, and vegetables to prevent diseases such as downy mildew and powdery mildew. Its ability to inhibit the growth of harmful organisms helps improve crop yield and quality.

In addition to agriculture, copper sulfate pentahydrate is utilized in various industrial processes. It plays a crucial role in the electroplating industry, where it is used as an electrolyte in the plating of metals. The copper ions in the solution deposit onto surfaces, creating a layer of copper that enhances conductivity and corrosion resistance. This application is vital in electronics manufacturing and metal finishing.

Copper sulfate is also employed in laboratories for analytical chemistry. It serves as a reagent in various chemical reactions, including the detection of reducing sugars and the preparation of copper nanoparticles. Its versatility as a reagent makes it a valuable tool for researchers and chemists.

In the field of education, copper sulfate pentahydrate is commonly used in science experiments. Its striking blue color makes it an excellent choice for demonstrating principles of crystallization and solubility. Students can observe the formation of crystals and learn about the properties of hydrates through hands-on experiments.

Despite its many beneficial applications, it is important to handle copper sulfate pentahydrate with care. It can be toxic to aquatic life and may cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Proper safety precautions, including the use of gloves and goggles, should be followed when working with this compound.

In summary, copper sulfate pentahydrate is a historically significant chemical compound with diverse applications in agriculture, industry, and education. Its discovery has led to advancements in crop protection, metal plating, and analytical chemistry, highlighting its importance in both practical and educational settings.

References

1994. New roles for quin2: Powerful transition-metal ion chelator that inhibits copper-, but potentiates iron-driven, fenton-type reactions. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 16(2).
DOI: 10.1016/0891-5849(94)90141-4

2008. Non-enzymatic antioxidant status and modulation of lipid peroxidation in the muscles of Labeo rohita by sub lethal exposure to CuSO4. Veterinary Research Communications, 32(5).
DOI: 10.1007/s11259-008-9188-x

2005. Differential profiles of copper-induced ROS generation in human neuroblastoma and astrocytoma cells. Brain research. Molecular brain research, 134(2).
DOI: 10.1016/j.molbrainres.2004.11.004