Aug 21 2013
Topics Covered
Description
Applications
Chemical Properties
Electrical Properties
Thermal, Mechanical and Optical Properties
Safety Information
Description
Copper (II) oxide is a higher oxide of copper and belongs to the monoclinic crystal system. It occurs as a black solid with an ionic structure that melts above 1200°C with some loss of oxygen. It is an irritant, and causes damage to the central nervous system and endocrine system. It can be formed by heating copper in air.
Applications
Copper (II) oxide finds applications in the following:
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It is used as pigment in ceramics and fungicide
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It is rarely used as a dietary supplement in animals
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It has application as a p-type semiconductor due to its narrow band gap
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It is used to produce dry cell batteries/wet cell batteries
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It is used as an alternative for iron oxide in thermite.
Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of copper (II) oxide are provided in the table below:
|
Chemical Properties |
|
Chemical Formula |
CuO |
|
Molecular Weight |
79.545 |
|
CAS No. |
1317-38-0 |
|
Group |
Copper – 11
Oxygen - 16 |
|
Crystal Structure |
Monoclinic |
|
Lattice Constant |
a = 4.684 Å
b = 3.425 Å
c = 5.129 Å |
Electrical Properties
The electrical properties of copper (II) oxide are provided in the table below:
|
Electrical Properties |
|
Magnetic Susceptibility |
0.000238 |
|
Band Gap |
1.2 eV |
Thermal, Mechanical and Optical Properties
The thermal, mechanical and optical properties of copper (II) oxide are provided in the tables below:
|
Thermal Properties |
|
Heat of Fusion |
148.3 J/g |
|
Heat of Formation |
-156 kJ/mol |
|
Specific Heat Capacity |
42.3 J/mol K |
|
Mechanical Properties |
|
Density |
6.315 g/cm3 |
|
Melting Point |
1326°C |
|
Boiling Point |
2000°C |
|
Optical Properties |
|
Refractive Index |
2.63 |
Safety Information
|
Safety Information |
|
GHS Hazard Statements |
H302 - Harmful if swallowed
H410 - Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
|
Safety Precautions |
P273: Avoid release to the environment. |