Cupric chloride, also known as copper (II) chloride, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CuCl2. It is a colorful crystalline solid that appears pale blue in color. It has a variety of industrial and commercial applications due to its unique chemical properties.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Cupric Chloride has a molecular formula of CuCl2 and molecular weight of 134.45 g/mol. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system and has a pale blue color. CuCl2 is hygroscopic in nature which means it readily absorbs moisture from air. It dissolves well in water to form a pale blue colored solution. The anhydrous form of CuCl2 sublimes readily at 120°C to form the dihydrate salt CuCl2.2H2O.

Thermal decomposition of the dihydrate occurs in two steps - first it loses one water molecule at 150-160°C to form the monohydrate CuCl2.H2O and then loses the remaining water molecule at 250°C to form the anhydrous CuCl2. It has a melting point of 294°C and boiling point of 870°C. It is soluble in alcohol as well as acid but is insoluble in non-polar organic solvents like ether.

Uses

Some major uses of them are:

Wood preservatives - It dissolved in water solutions are used as wood preservatives, fungicides and timber treatment chemicals. The copper ions help protect wood from decay caused by microbes and insects.

Electroplating - It is used as an electrolyte for electroplating copper onto metal surfaces. A solution of CuCl2 is used to electrochemically deposit a thin layer of copper onto objects for corrosion protection and decorative purposes.

Catalyst - Cupric chloride serves as an important heterogeneous catalyst for several industrially useful reactions like oxidation of alcohols, dehydrogenation of alkanes, reduction of nitrites etc.

Fireworks - When mixed with fuels like sucrose or dextrin, cupric chloride formulations produce vibrant green firework flames and sparks.

Pest control - Copper salts like CuCl2 are mixed with food baits to control rodents and insects. The ingested copper is toxic in higher doses.

Other applications - It also finds use as a mordant in dyeing, engraving etchant, fungicide, ceramic glaze ingredient and more.

Safety and Health Concerns

Though an important industrial chemical, it needs to be handled with care due to certain health hazards. The anhydrous form as well as concentrated aqueous solutions of CuCl2 are highly corrosive and can cause severe burns on contact with skin and eyes. Inhalation of dust or fumes produced during thermal decomposition may irritate respiratory tract.

High exposure levels through ingestion, inhalation or contact can lead to copper poisoning in humans. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even damage to liver and kidneys at very high doses. Cupric chloride is classified as hazardous substance and appropriate personal protective equipment must be used while working with it. Spillages and waste materials containing CuCl2 also require proper disposal as per environmental regulations.

cupric chloride is a useful blue colored inorganic compound with diverse industrial applications primarily due to the catalytic and biocidal properties of copper ions. While an important chemicals in many areas, one must exercise necessary safety precautions when handling it due to associated health hazards from its corrosive and toxic nature. With adequate risk controls, cupric chloride continues to serve important roles across many sectors.

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