kopparIIsulfatpentahydrat

Copper(II) sulfate, commonly known as copper sulfate or blue vitriol, is a water-soluble inorganic salt with the chemical formula CuSO4. In Swedish, koppar(II)sulfat is the term used. The compound occurs mainly as hydrates; the pentahydrate CuSO4·5H2O is the most familiar form, presenting bright blue crystals. On heating, the pentahydrate loses water to yield white, anhydrous CuSO4. It dissolves readily in water, giving blue solutions.

Copper(II) sulfate is typically produced by reacting copper metal or copper oxide with hot sulfuric acid, or by dissolving copper-containing minerals in sulfuric acid and crystallizing the salt. The pentahydrate is formed from aqueous solutions and is the form most commonly encountered in laboratories and industry.

Applications of copper(II) sulfate are diverse. In laboratories it serves as a versatile reagent in inorganic and analytical chemistry. In agriculture, it is used as a fungicide and algicide, and it features in Bordeaux mixtures for vine disease control. It is employed in dyeing as a mordant, in electroplating and electrochemistry, and in ore processing to aid flotation and separation of copper minerals. Copper sulfate also finds use in seed and wood treatments and various educational demonstrations due to its vivid blue color and well-defined chemistry.

Safety and environmental considerations are important. Copper(II) sulfate can be harmful if swallowed and may irritate the skin and eyes on contact. It is toxic to aquatic life and should be handled with appropriate precautions, including gloves and eye protection, and disposed of following local regulations to minimize environmental impact.