Copper(I) sulfate, also known as cuprous sulfate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Cu2SO4. It is a white solid, in contrast to copper(II) sulfate, which is blue in hydrous form. Compared to the commonly available reagent, copper(II) sulfate, copper(I) sulfate is unstable and not readily available.[1]

Copper(I) sulfate
Names
Other names
Copper(I) sulphate; Cuprous sulfate; Dicopper sulfate
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.159.746 Edit this at Wikidata
  • InChI=1S/2Cu.H2O4S/c;;1-5(2,3)4/h;;(H2,1,2,3,4)/q2*+1;/p-2
    Key: WIVXEZIMDUGYRW-UHFFFAOYSA-L
  • InChI=1/2Cu.H2O4S/c;;1-5(2,3)4/h;;(H2,1,2,3,4)/q2*+1;/p-2
    Key: WIVXEZIMDUGYRW-NUQVWONBAI
  • [O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-].[Cu+].[Cu+]
Properties
Cu2SO4
Molar mass 223.15 g mol−1
Appearance White
Density 4.12 g cm−3[1]
Melting point 110 °C
decomposes
Structure[1]
orthorhombic
Fddd
a = 4.748(3) Å, b = 13.96(1) Å, c = 10.86(1) Å
8
Hazards
NIOSH (US health exposure limits):
PEL (Permissible)
TWA 1 mg/m3 (as Cu)[2]
REL (Recommended)
TWA 1 mg/m3 (as Cu)[2]
IDLH (Immediate danger)
TWA 100 mg/m3 (as Cu)[2]
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Structure

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Cu2SO4 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Fddd. Each oxygen in a sulfate anion is bridged to another sulfate by a copper atom, and the Cu−O distances are 196 pm.[1]

Synthesis

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Cuprous sulfate is produced by the reaction of copper metal with sulfuric acid at 200 °C:[3]

2 Cu + 2 H2SO4 → Cu2SO4 + SO2 + 2 H2O

Cu2SO4 can also be synthesized by the action[clarification needed] of dimethyl sulfate on cuprous oxide:[4]

Cu2O + (CH3O)2SO2 → Cu2SO4 + (CH3)2O

The material is stable in dry air at room temperature but decomposes rapidly in presence of moisture or upon heating. It decomposes into copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate upon contact with water.[4]

Cu2SO4 + 5 H2O → Cu + CuSO4 · 5 H2O

It can also be produced by the reaction of copper(II) sulfate and a reducing agent such as sodium thiosulfate.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Berthold, H. J.; Born, J.; Wartchow, R. (1988). "The crystal structure of copper(I)sulfate Cu2SO4 – The first structure of a simple cuprous oxo-salt". Zeitschrift für Kristallographie – Crystalline Materials. 183: 309–318. doi:10.1524/zkri.1988.183.14.309. S2CID 101673081.
  2. ^ a b c NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. "#0150". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
  3. ^ O. Glemser; R. Sauer (1963). "Copper (I) Sulfate". In G. Brauer (ed.). Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry, 2nd Ed. Vol. 2pages=1020. NY, NY: Academic Press.
  4. ^ a b Vo Van, Kim; Habashi, Faith (1972). "Identification and Thermal Stability of Copper(I) Sulfate". Can. J. Chem. 50 (23): 3872–3875. doi:10.1139/v72-610.