COPPER(II) SULFATE (CuSO₄)
1. Definition
Copper(II) sulfate, also known as cupric sulfate, is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula CuSO₄.
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Usually encountered as a blue crystalline pentahydrate (CuSO₄·5H₂O).
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Commonly used in agriculture, industry, and laboratory applications.
2. Key Properties
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Chemical formula: CuSO₄
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Molar mass: 159.61 g/mol (pentahydrate: 249.68 g/mol)
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Appearance: bright blue crystals (pentahydrate), white powder (anhydrous)
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Solubility: soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol
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Melting point: 110°C (pentahydrate loses water and decomposes)
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Toxicity: moderately toxic; handle with care
3. Advantages
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Effective fungicide and algicide in agriculture
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Versatile industrial chemical: used in electroplating, dyeing, and pigment production
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Laboratory reagent: for chemical reactions, analytical chemistry, and education
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Cost-effective: widely available and easy to use
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Stable: long shelf life under proper storage
4. Uses / Applications
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Agriculture:
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Fungicide for crops (vineyards, fruits, vegetables)
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Algaecide for ponds and water bodies
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Micronutrient fertilizer (copper source)
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Industry:
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Electroplating copper
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Production of copper salts, pigments, and dyes
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Leather and textile processing
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Laboratory / Educational:
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Reagent for chemical experiments
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Demonstrations of chemical reactions (e.g., Fehling’s test, Benedict’s test)
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Electrolysis experiments
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Water treatment:
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controls algae growth in irrigation and reservoirs
