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Cupric Oxide, Copper Oxide, Tenorite, 1317‑38‑0

Cupric Oxide, Copper Oxide, Tenorite, 1317‑38‑0

COPPER OXIDE (CUPRIC OXIDE) 

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Parameter Information
Product Name Copper Oxide
Chemical Name Copper(II) Oxide, Cupric Oxide
Other Names Tenorite (mineral form), CuO
CAS Number 1317-38-0
EC Number (EINECS) 215-269-1
Chemical Formula CuO
Molecular Weight 79.55 g/mol
Mineral Name Tenorite
Appearance Black to brownish-black crystalline powder
Odor Odorless
Physical State (20°C) Solid (powder)

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

2.1. Molecular Structure

Copper(II) oxide is one of the most stable oxide forms of copper. Each copper ion (Cu²⁺) is surrounded by four oxygen ions (O²⁻), exhibiting a monoclinic crystal structure. This structure is a tenorite-type structure where copper ions display square planar or square pyramidal coordination.

Structural Features:

                    COPPER OXIDE (CuO)
                          |
                Cu²⁺ - O²⁻ Bonds
                          |
                Monoclinic Crystal Structure
                          |
        +----------------+----------------+
        |                |                |
    Square Planar   Square Pyramidal   Distortion
    Coordination    Coordination     (Jahn-Teller)

2.2. Crystal Structure

Parameter Value
Crystal System Monoclinic
Space Group C2/c (No. 15)
Lattice Parameters a = 4.6837 Å, b = 3.4226 Å, c = 5.1288 Å
β Angle 99.54°
Unit Cell Volume 81.0 ų
Molecules per Unit Cell (Z) 4
Coordination Number 4 (for Cu), 4 (for O)

2.3. Functional Properties

Property Description
Oxidation State Cu²⁺ (copper +2 oxidation state)
Bond Type Ionic (Cu-O bonds)
Crystal Defects Oxygen vacancies; provide semiconductor properties
Jahn-Teller Effect Causes distortion in Cu²⁺ ion

3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value Description
Appearance Black to brownish-black crystalline powder -
Odor Odorless -
Molecular Weight 79.55 g/mol -
Density ~6.31 g/cm³ (at 25°C) -
Melting Point ~1326 °C -
Boiling Point > 2000 °C -
Solubility in Water Insoluble (~0.001 g/L) -
Solubility in Acids Soluble (HCl, HNO₃, H₂SO₄) -
Solubility in Alkalis Insoluble -
Crystal Structure Monoclinic -
Hardness (Mohs) 3.5 -
Thermal Conductivity ~20 W/(m·K) -
Electrical Conductivity Semiconductor (at room temperature) -
Band Gap (Eg) ~1.2 – 1.7 eV Exhibits semiconductor properties
Magnetic Behavior Antiferromagnetic -
Néel Temperature 230 K Antiferromagnetic transition temperature
BET Surface Area Variable (product dependent; typical 5-50 m²/g) -

4. PURITY GRADES

Parameter Industrial Grade High Purity Grade Ultra High Purity Grade
Purity ≥ 98.0% ≥ 99.0% ≥ 99.9%
CuO Content ≥ 98.0% ≥ 99.0% ≥ 99.9%
Cu₂O Content ≤ 0.5% ≤ 0.1% ≤ 0.05%
Iron (Fe) ≤ 0.2% ≤ 0.05% ≤ 0.01%
Nickel (Ni) ≤ 0.1% ≤ 0.02% ≤ 0.005%
Lead (Pb) ≤ 0.1% ≤ 0.01% ≤ 0.001%
Chloride (Cl⁻) ≤ 0.1% ≤ 0.02% ≤ 0.005%
Sulfate (SO₄²⁻) ≤ 0.2% ≤ 0.05% ≤ 0.01%

5. REACTIVITY AND STABILITY

Parameter Information
Chemical Stability Stable under normal conditions; may hydrate in humid air
Conditions to Avoid High temperature (≥1300°C), strong reducing agents
Incompatible Materials Reducing agents (H₂, CO, C), strong acids, ammonia, hydrochloric acid
Hazardous Decomposition Products Copper fumes, toxic copper oxide vapors
Hazardous Polymerization Will not occur

6. REACTIONS AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

6.1. Acid Dissolution Reactions

Copper oxide dissolves in mineral acids to form corresponding copper salts:

With Hydrochloric Acid:

CuO + 2HCl → CuCl₂ + H₂O

With Sulfuric Acid:

CuO + H₂SO₄ → CuSO₄ + H₂O

With Nitric Acid:

CuO + 2HNO₃ → Cu(NO₃)₂ + H₂O

6.2. Reduction Reactions

Copper oxide can be reduced to copper metal by reducing agents:

With Hydrogen:

CuO + H₂ → Cu + H₂O

With Carbon Monoxide:

CuO + CO → Cu + CO₂

With Carbon:

2CuO + C → 2Cu + CO₂

7. APPLICATION AREAS

7.1. Ceramics and Glass Industry

Application Function Details
Pigment Colorant (black, blue-green tones) Used in ceramic bodies, glass melts, and glazes
Enamel Coatings Opacifier and colorant Decorative and protective function in enamel coatings
Glaze Applications Matt and glossy effects Color tone modifier in ceramic glazes
Glass Production Color additive Sunglasses, optical glass, and decorative glass products
Ceramic Paints Permanent pigment High-temperature resistant ceramic paints

7.2. Metallurgy and Mining

Application Function Details
Copper Salt Production Precursor compound Production of copper sulfate, copper nitrate, copper chloride salts
Alloy Production Alloy component Specialty copper alloys and bronze production
Fire Refining Oxidizing agent Used in copper refining
Ore Processing Flotation and leaching Processing of copper ores

7.3. Catalyst Applications

Application Function Details
Organic Synthesis Oxidation catalyst Oxidation of organic compounds
Petrochemicals Hydrogenation/dehydrogenation Petrochemical conversions
Emission Control Catalytic converter CO and NOx removal
Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Co-catalyst Synthetic fuel production
Oxidation Reactions Selective oxidation Chemical synthesis

7.4. Electronics and Semiconductor Applications

Application Function Details
Semiconductor Materials p-type semiconductor Exhibits semiconductor properties at room temperature
Superconductor Ceramics YBCO component Production of YBCO (YBa₂Cu₃O₇) superconductors
Sensor Technology Gas sensors CO, CO₂, NOx gas sensors
Photovoltaic Cells Absorber layer Solar cell applications
Thermal Management Thermal conductivity additive Electronic cooling applications

7.5. Chemical Production

Application Function Details
Copper-Based Chemicals Intermediate Synthesis of copper acetate, copper chromite, copper flurbiprofen
Lithium-Ion Batteries Electrode material Anode or cathode coatings
Protective Coatings Antifouling Preventing biological fouling in marine structures
Paints and Coatings Pigment Anti-corrosive and decorative paints

8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

Sector Suitability Note
Ceramics and Glass Pigment and glaze applications
Metallurgy Precursor for copper salts and alloys
Catalyst Organic synthesis and petrochemical catalysts
Electronics Semiconductor and superconductor ceramics
Food/Cosmetics Heavy metal oxide; not suitable
Agriculture Limited (as fungicide, controlled use)
Wastewater Treatment Catalytic oxidation processes

9. PACKAGING OPTIONS

Packaging Type Quantity Material
Kraft Bag 25 kg PE-lined kraft paper bag
Fiber Drum 25 kg, 50 kg PE-lined fiber drum
Plastic Drum 50 kg PE/HDPE drum
IBC Tank 1000 kg Plastic IBC (bulk scale)
Laboratory Bottle 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg Glass or HDPE bottle

10. TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

Parameter Value
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) 800 – 1000 mg/kg
Acute Dermal Toxicity Low; irritant
Skin Irritation Irritant
Eye Irritation Serious eye irritant
Inhalation Dust inhalation may cause lung irritation; long-term exposure carries "copper fume fever" risk
Carcinogenicity IARC Group 2B (limited evidence)
Mutagenicity Potential mutagen
Reproductive Toxicity Reproductive toxicity at high doses
LC50 (Fish) 0.1 – 1.0 mg/L (acute toxicity)
PBT (Persistent, Bioaccumulative, Toxic) Potential

11. GHS CLASSIFICATION

Hazard Class Category H-Statement
Acute Toxicity (Oral) Category 4 H302: Harmful if swallowed
Serious Eye Damage Category 1 H318: Causes serious eye damage
Specific Target Organ Toxicity Category 3 H335: May cause respiratory irritation
Aquatic Toxicity (Acute) Category 1 H400: Very toxic to aquatic life
Aquatic Toxicity (Chronic) Category 1 H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Pictograms: GHS05 (Corrosion), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark), GHS09 (Environment)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

Code Statement
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H318 Causes serious eye damage
H335 May cause respiratory irritation
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

12. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

Code Statement
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray
P264 Wash hands thoroughly after handling
P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
P273 Avoid release to the environment
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
P301+P312 IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present
P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor
P337+P313 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention
P391 Collect spillage
P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations

13. FIRST AID MEASURES

Route of Exposure Action to Be Taken
Inhalation Move to fresh air. If breathing difficulty occurs, administer oxygen. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention
Skin Contact Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If irritation develops, seek medical attention
Eye Contact Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Keep eyelids open. Remove contact lenses. Seek immediate medical attention
Ingestion Rinse mouth. If conscious, drink water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention
Note Show this safety data sheet to the attending physician

14. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Parameter Information
Fire Hazard Not flammable, but may emit toxic fumes at high temperatures
Hazards from Fire Copper oxide fumes may be toxic
Suitable Extinguishing Media Use extinguishing media appropriate to surrounding fire (powder, foam, CO₂)
Special Protective Equipment Full protective clothing and SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus)

15. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Parameter Information
Personal Protection Dust mask (N95/FFP2), protective goggles, gloves, coverall
Ventilation Increase ventilation; use local exhaust in confined spaces
Containment Cover spilled area to prevent dust dispersion
Cleaning Methods Collect dry using vacuum or careful sweeping. Avoid washing with water
Environmental Precautions Prevent entry into drains, sewers, and water bodies
Waste Disposal Dispose of in accordance with local regulations; licensed disposal facility

16. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Parameter Information
Storage Conditions Store in dry, closed packaging; keep away from moisture
Container Requirements Keep tightly closed in moisture-proof containers
Materials to Avoid Acids, ammonia, reducing agents, moisture
Shelf Life 24 months under proper conditions
Stability Note Hydration and caking may occur when exposed to moisture

17. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Parameter Information
Aquatic Toxicity Very toxic to aquatic life (H400/H410)
Biodegradability Not biodegradable (inorganic)
Bioaccumulation Potential bioaccumulation; copper can accumulate in living organisms
Waste Management Heavy metal oxide; controlled disposal required
Recycling Can be recovered from copper scrap and catalysts
Carbon Footprint Moderate; dependent on copper mining and refining
WGK Germany 3 (severe hazard to water)

18. REGULATORY STATUS

Region / Authority Status
USA (FDA) Limited use in food contact materials; specific limits in paints and coatings
European Union (REACH) Registered; not on SVHC candidate list
Turkey (KKDIK) Compliance required
OSHA Regulated as dust
IARC Group 2B (limited evidence)
EINECS 215-269-1
HS Code 2825.50
TSCA (USA) Registered

19. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

  • Cupric Oxide

  • Copper(II) Oxide

  • Tenorite (mineral form)

  • CuO

  • Black Copper Oxide

  • Copper Oxide Black

  • Tenorite

20. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

Property Value
CAS Number 1317-38-0
EC Number 215-269-1
Molecular Formula CuO
Molecular Weight 79.55 g/mol
Appearance Black to brownish-black crystalline powder
Density ~6.31 g/cm³
Melting Point ~1326 °C
Crystal Structure Monoclinic
Water Solubility Insoluble
Purity Grades 98% – 99.9%
HS Code 2825.50
GHS Signal Word DANGER
UN Number 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance)
WGK Germany 3 (severe hazard to water)

21. CRITICAL NOTICES AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL NOTICES:

  1. Heavy Metal Toxicity: Copper oxide is a heavy metal oxide. Ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact poses health risks. Should not be used in food or cosmetic applications due to toxicological effects.

  2. Eye Contact: Causes serious eye damage (H318). Always wear safety goggles.

  3. Environmental Hazard: Very toxic to aquatic life (H400/H410). Release to the environment must be strictly prevented.

  4. Moisture Sensitivity: Hydration and caking may occur when exposed to moisture. Should be stored in dry conditions.

  5. Reaction with Acids: Contact with acids may form toxic copper salts.

  6. Reaction with Reducing Agents: May be reduced by contact with hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or carbon.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Storage:

  • Store in dry, closed packaging; keep away from moisture

  • Store separately from acids, ammonia, and reducing agents

  • Keep tightly closed in original packaging

Handling:

  • Use in well-ventilated areas

  • Use dust mask (N95/FFP2), protective goggles, and gloves

  • Avoid dust formation

  • Wash hands after handling

Waste Management:

  • Heavy metal oxide waste; dispose of at licensed disposal facilities

  • Do not discharge into drains, sewers, or water bodies

  • Consider recycling if possible

Emergency:

  • In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention

  • In case of dust inhalation, move to fresh air

  • If large amount is swallowed, do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific application and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, waste, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional advice. Copper oxide is a heavy metal oxide; appropriate precautions should be taken during handling.

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