Tetraamine copper(II) complex

Left: Copper(II) chloride solution, Center: Precipitate of copper oxychloride after the addition of ammonia, Right: More ammonia was added, dissolving the precipitate and forming the tetraamine copper(II) complex.

The tetraammine copper(II) complex, also called the cuprammonium complex, is an ionic complex of copper with the formula [Cu(NH₃)₄(H₂O)₂]²⁺.

Properties

It has an intense ultramarine blue coloration to the naked eye but when portrayed digitally is somewhat muted in color.

Preparation

The copper-ammonia complex can be formed by the addition of ammonia to solutions of copper(II) ions, or by dissolving basic copper compounds in aqueous ammonia. The ion is the main constituent of the compounds Schweizer's reagent and tetraammine copper(II) sulfate, among others.

Projects

• TACN
• TACC
• TACP
• TACPs
• Tetraaminecopper(II) sulfate
• Dissolve cellulose

Handling

Safety

The tetraamine copper(II) complex is irritant due to its ammonia. Copper is toxic to humans and much more so to aquatic life.

Storage

Depends on the individual amine copper complex.

Disposal

Treat like any other soluble copper compound.

Gallery

• 

  Tetraamincopper(II)-nitrate (still wet)

• 

  Tetraamincopper(II)-sulfate (monohydrate)

• 

  Color comparison between the two salts

See also

• Schweizer's reagent