Bis(ethylenediamine)copper(II) perchlorate

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.

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.

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.

Safety

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