Copper sulfate - properties and applications

Copper sulfate (Otherwise - sulphate copper, copper sulfate) is a powder consisting of crystals of azure blue. In nature, it occurs in the form of a mineral.

Application

Copper is one of the microelements needed by plants. In agriculture, it is used in the form of a Bordeaux liquid (a solution of copper sulfate in lime milk) from grape aphid and various fungal diseases. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on the process of respiration and photosynthesis of plants.

Copper sulfate is also used to dress seeds before planting, thus destroying the spores of mold fungi on seeds.

Copper sulphate (aqueous solution) is used to neutralize the effects of leaks, remove from the plastered, concrete and brick surfaces the separation of salts, rust spots; Give wood refractory properties and prevent its decay, impregnating the wood with a solution of copper sulfate.

Anhydrous copper sulfate is used as an indicator of humidity in the premises. In the laboratories, it is used to dry ethanol and other substances.

Copper sulphate is used in the manufacture of mineral paints, in the production of acetate fibers (included in spinning solutions). With its help you can identify zinc, magnesium and manganese in stainless steel and aluminum alloys.

Copper sulphate in the food industry is used as a preservative (food additive) E519. In animal husbandry - as mineral additives in mixed fodders.

In medicine it is used as an astringent, antiseptic and cauterizing agent. In cases of poisoning with white phosphorus, it is recommended to wash the stomach with 0.1% solution of copper sulfate.

Copper sulfate is also used in electroplating - when copper is coated with metal products; In the metallurgical industry; In the processes of nickel plating, and as a raw material in the preparation of other compounds.

Copper sulfate: properties

Copper sulphate is a non-flammable, fire-and explosion-proof substance. Very hygroscopic. It has no smell, no metallic taste. It dissolves well in water, in dilute alcohol and in a concentrated solution of hydrochloric acid. When heated, it loses water and turns gray. If, after cooling, to drip onto the gray water powder, it again becomes blue. Completely dehydrated at 258C. It melts at 1100C. In nature, it comes in the form of minerals, chalcantite, butyl, chalcocyanite, etc.

Crystal of copper vitriol

A beautiful blue crystal of copper sulfate is not difficult to grow at home (by the way, you can also grow purple crystals from chromate alum and colorless - from table salt). The whole process will take two to three weeks.

To work, you need wire, thread, glass jar and copper sulfate (or any other selected salt). A very concentrated salt solution is prepared: add, stirring constantly, salt into a jar of water until it stops dissolving. Then lightly heat the mixture, to better dissolve the salt, for which the pot (or glass) is put in a pot of warmed water.

The concentrated solution thus obtained is poured into a beaker, suspended by a wire bridge, a small crystal of the same salt, immersing it in a thread on the thread. On this crystal (seed), the crystal we need grows.

A glass with a solution in an open form is put in a warm place and we observe how the crystal grows. When it becomes large enough, remove it from the solution, dry it with a paper napkin or a soft cloth, cut the thread and cover it with a colorless varnish (so as not to "erode" in the air).

The resulting crystal is very similar to a gem.