Copper(II) hydroxide (Cu(OH)2)-Powder
Product Description
Characteristic
Copper(II) hydroxide is the hydroxide of copper with the chemical formula of Cu(OH)2. It is a pale greenish blue or bluish green solid. Some forms of copper(II) hydroxide are sold as "stabilized" copper(II) hydroxide, although they likely consist of a mixture of copper(II) carbonate and hydroxide. Cupric hydroxide is a weak base.
Chemical formula:Cu(OH)2
Molar mass:97.561 g/mol
Appearance:Blue or blue-green solid
Density:3.368 g/cm3, solid
Melting point:80 °C (176 °F; 353 K) (decomposes into CuO)
Solubility in water:negligible
Solubility product (Ksp)2.20 x 10−20
Solubility:insoluble in ethanol;soluble in NH4OH, KCN
Magnetic susceptibility (χ):+1170.0·10−6 cm3/mol
Application
Copper(II) hydroxide in ammonia solution, known as Schweizer's reagent, possesses the interesting ability to dissolve cellulose. This property led to it being used in the production of rayon, a cellulose fiber.
It is also used widely in the aquarium industry for its ability to destroy external parasites in fish, including flukes, marine ich, brook and marine velvet, without killing the fish. Although other water-soluble copper compounds can be effective in this role, they generally result in high fish mortality.
Copper(II) hydroxide has been used as an alternative to the Bordeaux mixture, a fungicide and nematicide. Such products include Kocide 3000, produced by Kocide L.L.C. Copper(II) hydroxide is also occasionally used as ceramic colorant.
Copper(II) hydroxide has been combined with latex paint, making a product designed to control root growth in potted plants. Secondary and lateral roots thrive and expand, resulting in a dense and healthy root system. It was sold under the name Spin Out, which was first introduced by Griffin L.L.C. The rights are now owned by SePRO Corp. It is now sold as Microkote either in a solution you apply yourself, or as treated pots.