Chemical formula: CuSO4.5H2O

Chemical name: Copper sulfate; Copper sulfate; Cupric sulfate; Blue vitriol; Bluestone; Chalcanthite

Origin: Taiwan, China

Copper sulfate – CuSO4 is an inorganic salt compound with the chemical formula CuSO4, blue crystalline form and has the characteristic of strongly absorbing moisture from the air to form blue hydrate CuSO4.5H2O. Taking advantage of this property, people often use anhydrous CuSO4 to detect water mixed in organic compounds.

Copper sulfate is also known in different hydrated forms such as the anhydrous salt CuSO4 or the most common Pentahydrate form CuSO4.5H2O…

CuSO4 chemical is prepared by dissolving Copper (II) oxide or carbonate salt in sulfuric acid solution. It can also be prepared by letting low-level copper ore gradually leak into the air, using some types of bacteria to speed up this process.

Physical and chemical properties of CuSO4 – Copper sulfate
Physical properties of CuSO4 – Copper sulfate
CuSO4 – Copper sulfate is a blue salt compound, solid crystalline or powder form. It is soluble in water, methanol but insoluble in ethanol.
The molar mass of CuSO4 is 159.62 g/mol (anhydrous) and 249.70 g/mol (pentahydrate).
The density of CuSO4 is 3.603 g/cm3 (anhydrous) and 2.284 g/cm3 (pentahydrate).
Melting point of CuSO4 150 °C (423 K) (pentahydrate).
The solubility in water of CuSO4 pentahydrate is 316 g/L (0 °C) and 2033 g/L (100 °C).

Chemical properties of CuSO4
Copper Sulphate can react with alkalis to form sodium sulphate and copper hydroxide:
CuSO4 + 2NaOH → Na2SO4 + Cu(OH)2

Copper Sulfate reacts with NH3 solution:
CuSO4 + 2NH3 + 2H2O → Cu(OH)2 + (NH4)2SO4

Water absorbent Copper Sulphate is commonly used to detect traces of water in liquids:
CuSO4 + 5H2O → CuSO4.5H2O (blue).

Copper Sulphate reacts with metals more than it reacts with copper. For example Mg, Fe, Zn, Al, Sn, Pb, …

How to prepare CuSO4 – Copper sulfate
Copper Sulphate CuSO4 is produced as follows:

Using scrap as a source of recycled material. Scrap is refined with molten metal poured into water to create small spherical foam pieces. This mixture is dissolved in a dilute sulfuric acid solution in air to create copper sulfate.
Heat copper scrap with sulfur to produce copper sulfide and allow this mixture to oxidize to form copper sulfate.
Or copper sulfide ore can be heated to produce copper oxide and treated with sulfuric acid to produce copper sulfate.
Slow leaching of low grade ores in air. Bacteria are used to accelerate the formation of copper sulfate solution.

Main applications of chemical CuSO4 – Copper sulfate
CuSO4.5H2O is an ingredient in pesticides.
With 3/4 of copper sulfate production used in agriculture, with the role of antifungal, CuSO4 chemical is used as a fungicide, herbicide… CuSO4 is also an ingredient in pesticides, antibiotics, and disinfectants.

At the same time, it helps supplement trace element Cu when plants are deficient. In addition, Copper sulfate also affects the synthesis of substances such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, enzymes, etc.

As an ingredient in animal feed
CuSO4.5H2O is used to supplement and correct copper deficiency in animals, and is also a growth regulator for livestock and poultry such as pigs and chickens.

Applications in production and exploitation
Copper sulfate is used to prepare catalysts used in oil and gas processing and extraction, as well as liquids.
Widely used in the textile industry or in fabric dyes to increase the durability of the dye.
They are also used as food coloring agents. The composition of the solution is used to preserve plant specimens with natural colors, especially to prevent rotting of fruits.
It is also a colorant in fireworks technology or printing, glass making, and ceramics.
In the paint industry, it is used as an anti-fouling paint.

Laboratory applications
Copper sulfate is used in Fehling’s solution, Benedict’s solution to help test the lines that reduce soluble blue copper(II) sulfate to insoluble red copper(I) oxide.
They are also used for flame tests, their copper ions emit a deep green light, much deeper blue than the flame test for barium.
It is also used for blood tests to determine the condition of the blood.

Other applications of copper sulfate CuSO4
Copper sulfate Used in algae treatment and treatment of parasitic diseases in aquatic animals.
CuSO4 is an effective substance used in the industrial treatment of wastewater, domestic water…
Copper Sulphate CuSO4 is used for textile dyeing, creating blue and green colors when dyeing fabrics.
This chemical is also used in leather tanning, electroplating, battery production, electro-engraving and animal feed production as a catalyst.
In addition, CuSO4 is also widely used in the metal refining and ship painting industries…

Notes and how to preserve Copper sulfate (CuSO4)
Using copper sulfate as a herbicide always carries some risks and should therefore be limited.
The recommended dosage of copper sulfate CuSO4.5H20 depends on the type of algae and environmental factors.
They should be stored in dry places, away from light and high temperatures.