Cu18S17

Cu18S17, also known as copper sulfide, is a compound with the chemical formula Cu18S17. It is a dark gray to black crystalline solid that is insoluble in water but soluble in nitric acid. The compound is a member of the copper sulfide family, which includes other copper sulfides such as Cu2S and CuS. Cu18S17 is formed through the reaction of copper with sulfur at high temperatures. It is used in various applications, including as a catalyst in chemical reactions and as a component in semiconductor devices. The compound has a complex crystal structure, with copper atoms arranged in a face-centered cubic lattice and sulfur atoms occupying the tetrahedral sites. Cu18S17 is a stable compound at room temperature and pressure, but it can decompose at high temperatures, releasing sulfur dioxide and copper oxide. The compound has a low electrical conductivity, making it useful in applications where electrical insulation is required. Cu18S17 is also used in the production of copper-based alloys, where it acts as a deoxidizer and desulfurizer.