Copper(II) oxide

Copper(II) oxide or cupric oxide (CuO) is the higher tenorite.

Chemistry

It is a black solid with an copper(II) hydroxide or copper(II) carbonate:

2Cu(NO₃)₂ → 2CuO + 4NO₂ + O₂

Cu(OH)₂(s) → CuO(s) + H₂O(l)

CuCO₃ → CuO + CO₂

Copper(II) oxide is a nitric acid to give the corresponding copper(II) salts:

CuO + 2HNO₃ → Cu(NO₃)₂ + H₂O

CuO + 2HCl → CuCl₂ + H₂O

CuO + H₂SO₄ → CuSO₄ + H₂O

It can also be reduced to carbon monoxide:

CuO + H₂ → Cu + H₂O

CuO + CO → Cu + CO₂

It is also made by reacting solid oxygen gas.

2Cu + O₂ → 2CuO

Crystal structure

Copper(II) oxide belongs to the unit cell is C2/c, and its lattice parameters are a = 4.6837(5), b = 3.4226(5), c = 5.1288(6), α = 90° , β = 99.54(1)°, γ = 90°.

Health effects

Copper(II) oxide is an irritant. It also can cause damage to the Wilson's disease. Handling copper(II) oxide should be done in well ventilated area, and care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin or eyes. After handling, one should wash thouroughly.^[1]

Uses

Cupric oxide is used as a copper alloys.^[3]

Another use for cupric oxide is as a substitute for iron oxide in thermite. This can turn the thermite from an incendiary to a low explosive.

Use in disposal

Cupric oxide can be used to safely dispose of hazardous materials such as oxidation^[4].

C₆H₅OH + 14CuO → 6CO₂ + 3H₂O + 14Cu

C₆Cl₅OH + 2H₂O + 9CuO → 6CO₂ + 5HCl + 9Cu

Properties

• Work function:5.3eV^[5]

See also

• Copper
• Copper(I) oxide
• Patina

References

1. ^ MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET: Copper (II) oxide. Iowa State University (2003). Retrieved on 2007-01-26.
2. ^ Uses of Copper Compounds: Other Copper Compounds. Copper Development Association (2007). Retrieved on 2007-01-27.
3. ^ Cupric Oxide Data Sheet. Hummel Croton Inc. (2006-04-21). Retrieved on 2007-02-01.
4. ^ Kenney, Charlie W. & Uchida, Laura A. (April), , . Retrieved on 29 June 2007
5. ^ Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 91, 843 (2007)