Copper(I) oxide
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
Copper(I) oxide
| |
| Other names
Cuprite
Cuprous oxide Dicopper oxide Red copper oxide | |
| Properties | |
| Cu2O | |
| Molar mass | 143.09 g/mol |
| Appearance | Brownish-red solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 6.0 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 1,232 °C (2,250 °F; 1,505 K) |
| Boiling point | 1,800 °C (3,270 °F; 2,070 K) |
| Insoluble | |
| Solubility | Reacts with acids, aq. NH3 Insoluble in alcohols, ethers, halocarbons, hydrocarbons |
| Vapor pressure | ~0 mmHg |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar
entropy (S |
93 J·mol−1·K−1 |
| Std enthalpy of
formation (ΔfH |
−170 kJ·mol−1 |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | Sigma-Aldrich |
| Flash point | Non-flammable |
| Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC): | |
| LD50 (Median dose)
|
1.340 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds
|
Copper(II) oxide |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Copper(I) oxide or cuprous oxide is the inorganic compound with the formula Cu2O.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Copper(I) oxide degrades to copper(II) oxide in moist air.
- Cu2O + ½ O2 → 2 CuO
Cuprous oxide reacts with dilute sulfuric acid and nitric acid to produce copper(II) sulfate and copper(II) nitrate.
Copper(I) oxide dissolves in concentrated aq. ammonia solution to form the colorless complex [Cu(NH3)2]+, which is easily oxidized in air to the blue [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+. It dissolves in hydrochloric acid to give solutions of CuCl2−.
Physical
Cuprous oxide is a reddish brown solid, odorless, insoluble in solvents.
Availability
Is is sold by chemical suppliers. Can also be bought online.
Preparation
Reduction of copper(II) solutions with sulfur dioxide will yield this compound.
Aqueous cuprous chloride solutions react with base like sodium hydroxide to give copper(I) oxide.
In all procedures, the color of the product is highly sensitive to the procedural details.
Projects
- Copper compound collecting
- Make copper metal
- Make copper complexes
Handling
Safety
Copper(I) oxide is an irritant, so avoid handling it directly.
Storage
Copper(I) oxide should be kept in air-tight bottles, plastic or glass.
Disposal
Reduce it to metallic copper with a reducing agent, which can be recycled.
