Bis(ethylenediamine)copper(II) perchlorate

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Bis(ethylenediamine)copper(II) perchlorate
Bis(ethylenediamine) copper(II) perchlorate by woelen.jpg
The copper complex in solid form.
Properties
C2H4O8N2Cl2Cu
[Cu(en)2](ClO4)2
Molar mass 318.51 g/mol
Appearance Dark purple
Melting point Decomposes
Boiling point Detonates
Soluble
Solubility Reacts with acids
Hazards
Safety data sheet None
Related compounds
Related compounds
Tris(ethylenediamine)nickel perchlorate
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Bis(ethylenediamine)copper(II) perchlorate is an energetic coordination complex of copper(II) made from perchloric acid and ethylenediamine. It is a fluffy purple solid which is nearly black in a concentrated solution. It appears to be indefinitely storable.

A general formula for the compound is [Cu(en)2](ClO4)2, where en is ethylenediamine.

Properties

Chemical

Bis(ethylenediamine)copper(II) perchlorate is prone to detonation on light heating.

Physical

Crystals of bis(ethylenediamine) copper(II) perchlorate are far from dense - there is a nearly tenfold increase in volume from the starting material, copper(II) oxide. It is quite soluble in water.

Explosive

It explodes when exposed to an open flame.

Availability

Bis(ethylenediamine)copper(II) perchlorate is not commerically available but is easy to prepare.

Preparation

Bis(ethylenediamine)copper(II) perchlorate is prepared through the complexation of a solution of copper(II) perchlorate with ethylenediamine. Since copper(II) perchlorate is not a very commonly encountered chemical, it is often prepared in solution during this synthesis by the addition of an excess of copper(II) oxide to dilute perchloric acid. A detailed preparation can be found here.

Projects

  • Flash powder

Handling

Safety

Keep away from open flames, as the compound will detonate.

Storage

Best to use it shortly after synthesis.

Disposal

The compound should be detonated in a safe place. It can also be neutralized by reducing it with metallic iron under UV light, in anaerobic conditions.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads