Copper Sulphate
Copper sulphate (CAS Number: 7758-98-7) is an inorganic compound composed of copper, oxygen and sulphur with the chemical formula CuSO4. It is also known as copper sulfate, blue vitriol, roman vitriol and bluestone. It is a highly toxic odorless crystalline compound. Its hydrated form occurs as chalcanthite (pentahydrate), whereas the other rare ones are boothite (heptahydrate) and bonattite (trihydrate). Blue color of copper sulfate is due to water of hydration. On the other hand, it is a white powder in its anhydrous state.
Preparation
Copper on treatment with concentrated sulfuric acid produces copper sulphate.
CU + 2H2SO4 → CUSO4 + 2H2O + SO2
Copper sulphate can also be synthesized through slow leaching of low-grade copper ore in air. Bacteria may be used as a catalyst to hasten this process.
Applications
- Copper sulfate is used to kill fungi and algae.
- It is used for treating infections of aquarium fish.
- Sugars can be detected with this compound as it gets reduced by sugar and converts to red copper oxide.
- Anemia can be diagnosed with the help of copper sulfate.
- Schools and institutions buy copper sulphate to illustrate displacement reactions as well as anhydrous and hydrated chemicals.
- It is used to purify copper through electrolysis.
- Copper sulfate finds applications in textile mordant, feed additive, electric batteries, leather industry, medicine, electroplated coatings, analytical chemistry reagent, petroleum industry, mining industry, synthetic rubber, steel manufacture, preservation of ground and pulp wood.
Toxicity
Copper sulfate is moderately toxic in the case of acute oral exposure and inhalation of dusts and powders. Copper sulphate is corrosive to the eyes and skin. It produces a burning pain on absorption through the skin. It can result in itching or eczema, when exposed to the skin. Copper sulphate is a skin sensitizer and can create allergic reactions. Conjunctivitis, cornea tissue deterioration, excess buildup of fluid in the eyelid and eyelid ling inflammation can be caused due to eye contact. Copper sulphate suppliers, manufacturers and distributers must list the toxic effects of the chemical.
Safety Tips for Handling
Inhalation of copper sulphate, in its various forms such as powder, fume, gas and spray must be avoided. The exposure duration to this compound should be reduced as much as possible. The container in which the compound is stored must be tightly closed, such that moisture does not come in contact. It must be stored as per the information furnished on the product insert. Copper sulphate suppliers and distributers and lab technicians should carefully handle it.
Storage and Transportation
Copper sulphate as blue powder is shipped in multiwall drums or paper sacks. On exposure to air, it effloresces gradually. It can have corrosive implications on other cargo like steel drums, when it makes water contact, owing to its high solubility. Copper sulfate crystals can inflict damages to bags with loss of weight and leakage. They must be kept away from other cargo. These crystals are highly soluble, poisonous and corrosive in water. They let out fumes under wet and damp conditions, which can corrode objects in the vicinity as well as hoops that bind the packaging. Manufacturers and end users should buy copper sulphate from right suppliers. Dry storage is a must for this compound, away from edible goods. Copper sulphate suppliers and manufacturers must safety transport and store this chemical.
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