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 (Cu�?) ions and sulfate (SO4�?) 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
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GHS05;GHS07;GHS09 Danger Details
Discovory and Applicatios