Copper Sulfate Sulphate

Specifications of Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate.

Parameters --------- Specification
Appearance --------- Blue Colored Powder & Crystals
Copper as Cu % ----- 24.50 Minimum
Nickel as Ni % ----- 0.03 Maximum
Iron as Fe % ------- 0.20 Maximum
Lead as Pb % ------- 0.002 Maximum
Cadmium as Cd % ---- 0.001 Max
Arsenic as As % ---- 0.0005 Maximum
Mercury as Hg % ---- 0.0005 Maximum
Insoluble matter % - 0.02 Maximum in water
pH in 5% Solution -- 3.50 Minimum

Specifications of Copper Sulphate Anhydrous.

Parameters --------- Specification
Appearance --------- Blue Colored Powder & Crystals
Copper as Cu % ----- 38.2 Minimum
Nickel as Ni % ----- 0.05 Maximum
Iron as Fe % ------- 0.30 Maximum
Lead as Pb % ------- 0.003 Maximum
Cadmium as Cd % ---- 0.001 Maximum
Arsenic as As % ---- 0.0007 Max
Mercury as Hg % ---- 0.0007 Maximum
Insoluble matter % - 0.03 Maximum in water

Copper( II) sulfate, also known as cupric sulfate or copper sulphate, is the chemical compound with the chemical formula CuSO₄. This salt exists as a series of compounds that differ in their degree of hydration. The anhydrous form is a pale green or gray-white powder, whereas the pentahydrate (CuSO₄·5H₂O), the most commonly encountered salt, is bright blue. Copper sulfate exothermically dissolves in water to give the aquo complex [Cu(H₂O)₆]²⁺, which has octahedral molecular geometry and is paramagnetic. Other names for copper(II) sulfate are "blue vitriol" and "bluestone"

Copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate decomposes before melting at 150C (302F), losing two water molecules at 63C (145 °F), followed by two more at 109C (228F) and the final water molecule at 200C 392F)

Uses

As a herbicide, fungicide and pesticide

Copper sulfate pentahydrate is a fungicide. However, some fungi are capable of adapting to elevated levels of copper ions. Mixed with lime it is called Bordeaux mixture and used to control fungus on grapes, melons, and other berries. Another application is Cheshunt compound a mixture of copper sulfate and ammonium carbonate used in horticulture to prevent damping off in seedlings.

A dilute solution of copper sulfate is used to treat aquarium fish for parasitic infections, and is also used to remove snails from aquariums. Copper ions are highly toxic to fish, so care must be taken with the dosage. Most species of algae can be controlled with very low concentrations of copper sulfate. Copper sulfate inhibits growth of bacteria such as Escherichia coli. Copper Sulphate is also used as a wood preservative apart from its use in electroplating.

Copper sulfate is employed in organic synthesis. Copper sulfate is also used to etch zinc plates for intaglio printmaking. Copper sulfate can also be used as a mordant in vegetable dyeing.