Cupric Nitrate, Copper Nitrate, Copper Nitrate Trihydrate, Copper Nitrate Hexahydrate, Copper Nitrate Anhydrous, 13478-38-1, 10031-43-3, 10402-29-6, 3251-23-8

Cupric Nitrate, Copper Nitrate, Copper Nitrate Trihydrate, Copper Nitrate Hexahydrate, Copper Nitrate Anhydrous, 13478-38-1, 10031-43-3, 10402-29-6, 3251-23-8

Copper(II) Nitrate and Its Hydrates

General Information and Description

Copper(II) Nitrate is an inorganic salt formed by the reaction of copper metal with nitric acid. It is also known as Cupric Nitrate. In this compound, copper has a valence of +2 (Cu⁺²), while the nitrate ion has a valence of -1 (NO₃⁻). It commonly exists in various hydrated forms containing different numbers of water molecules (anhydrous, trihydrate, hexahydrate). Characterized by its blue crystalline structure, this compound is a strong oxidizing agent and serves as an important catalyst precursor in various industrial sectors and organic chemistry.

CAS Numbers and Form Information

The different forms (hydration states) of Copper(II) Nitrate are identified by the following CAS numbers:

Molecular Formula (Anhydrous Basis): Cu(NO₃)₂
Molecular Weight: 187.56 g/mol (Anhydrous)

Other Names (Synonyms)

• Cupric Nitrate

• Copper Dinitrate

• Nitric Acid, Copper Salt

• According to form: Copper(II) Nitrate Hexahydrate / Trihydrate / Anhydrous

• 3251-23-8 (Anhydrous CAS)

• 10402-29-6

Production Method

Copper Nitrate can be produced through several different methods:

1. Dissolving the Metal in Acid: It is obtained by the reaction of pure copper metal with concentrated nitric acid (HNO₃). Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) gas is released during this reaction.

   • Reaction: Cu + 4HNO₃ → Cu(NO₃)₂ + 2H₂O + 2NO₂

2. Dinitrogen Tetroxide Method: Anhydrous copper nitrate can be obtained by the reaction of copper metal with dinitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄).

   • Reaction: Cu + N₂O₄ → Cu(NO₃)₂

3. Dissolving Copper Compounds in Acid: It can also be produced by dissolving copper compounds such as Copper(II) Oxide (CuO), Copper(II) Carbonate (CuCO₃), or Copper(II) Hydroxide [Cu(OH)₂] in nitric acid. This method is generally more controlled and produces less gas.

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Physical Appearance: Trihydrate and Hexahydrate forms are typically bright blue crystalline solids. The anhydrous form may be pale blue or whitish but is highly hygroscopic.

• Hygroscopicity: It is a highly hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) compound. It can absorb moisture from the air or lose its water of crystallization in humid environments.

• Melting Point: The anhydrous form melts around 255-256 °C. Hydrated forms (e.g., hexahydrate) melt at lower temperatures (around 114 °C) in their own water of crystallization.

• Boiling Point: Not applicable. It begins to decompose thermally before boiling.

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water (243.7 g/100 mL water at 0°C). It is also soluble in Ethyl Alcohol and Ethyl Acetate.

• Density: Approximately 2.32 g/cm³ for the anhydrous form. It is denser than water.

Applications and Uses

Copper Nitrate is a versatile chemical used across a wide range of industries:

1. Textile Industry: Used as a mordant (color fixative) in dyeing processes. Its oxidizing properties come into play in this application.

2. Agriculture (Pesticides): Used in the production of fungicides and insecticides, particularly for grapevines and fruit trees.

3. Pyrotechnics (Fireworks): When added to mixtures, it decomposes during combustion to form Copper Oxide (CuO), which produces blue/blue-green colored flames.

4. Ceramics and Glass Industry: Used as a pigment (colorant) to impart color to glass, ceramics, and enamels. It is preferred for producing light-sensitive ceramic coatings.

5. Surface Treatment and Plating: Used in the metal plating industry as a surface treatment agent and as a copper source for copper plating via electrolysis.

6. Wood Preservation: A component in wood impregnation agents used to protect wood against fungi, insects, and rot.

7. Organic Chemistry (Catalyst):

   • Acts as a catalyst in the synthesis reactions of compounds like 3-aminopropenones and 3-aminopropenoates, which can proceed without solvents.

   • Used together with Acetic Anhydride in nitration reactions (introducing nitro groups) of aromatic compounds in organic synthesis to accelerate or direct the reaction.

8. Metal Polishing: Used in processes for polishing and burnishing the surfaces of certain metals.

9. Rocket Propellants: In advanced technological applications, it finds use as an oxidizing component or additive in rocket propellants.

Safety and Handling Instructions

• Classification: Oxidizing and irritant.

• Hazards:

  • May intensify fire (oxidizer).

  • Causes skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation.

  • Harmful if swallowed.

  • Toxic to aquatic life.

• Precautions:

  • Keep away from heat, sparks, and combustible materials.

  • Wear protective gloves, goggles, and appropriate protective clothing during handling.

  • Avoid breathing dust; use in a well-ventilated area.

  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

  • Avoid release to the environment.