Shandong Huashang Chemical Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the research and development, manufacturing, and sales of fine chemicals. Headquartered in Jinan, Shandong, China, we are committed to delivering high-quality products to our global partners. Currently, over 90% of our products are exported to developed markets, including North America, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East.
Product Description
Cupric oxide (CAS: 1317-38-0), also known as copper(II) oxide, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CuO. It appears as a black to brownish-black amorphous or crystalline powder, odorless, and stable under normal temperature and pressure. As a common p-type semiconductor material with a narrow band gap of 1.2 eV, it is widely utilized in catalysts, ceramics, electronics, and chemical synthesis industries.
Uses
Catalyst Industry: Primarily used as a catalyst or catalyst carrier for organic synthesis reactions, including hydrogenation, oxidation, and methanol synthesis; also serves as a desulfurization agent in petroleum processing.
Ceramics & Glass Industry: Acts as a colorant for ceramics, glazes, and colored glass, producing blue, green, black, or brown hues; also functions as a polishing agent for optical glass.
Electronics & Battery Field: Applied in the manufacturing of dry-cell batteries and as a cathode material in lithium-based wet-cell batteries; also used in the production of magnetic materials and electronic components.
Chemical Raw Material: Serves as a key raw material for preparing other copper compounds (e.g., copper nitrate, copper acetate); also used as an analytical reagent for determining carbon content in gas analysis.
Molecular Formula & Structure
- Molecular Formula: CuO
- Molecular Weight: 79.55 g/mol
- IUPAC Name: Copper(II) oxide
- Synonyms: Copper oxide; Black copper; Cupric oxide
- Crystal Structure: Monoclinic system, space group C2/c.
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Appearance: Black to brownish-black amorphous or crystalline powder; odorless; no visible impurities.
- Melting Point: 1326 °C (decomposition).
- Boiling Point: Decomposes at 1026 °C.
- Density: 6.48 g/cm3 (at 25 °C).
- Refractive Index: 2.63.
- Solubility: Practically insoluble in water and ethanol; soluble in dilute acids, ammonium chloride, potassium cyanide, and ammonia solutions.
- Stability: Stable at room temperature and dry conditions; incompatible with strong reducing agents (e.g., H?, CO); decomposes into copper(I) oxide and oxygen at high temperatures (>1000 °C).
- Chemical Traits: Exhibits weak amphoterism; reacts with acids to form copper salts; dissolves in strong alkali solutions to form blue cuprate ions.
- Toxicity: Low acute toxicity (LD50: 470 mg/kg, oral in rats); may cause irritation to the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes; harmful if swallowed in large quantities; classified as an environmental hazard (H410, H412).
Synthesis & Storage
- Synthesis: Prepared by heating copper hydroxide, copper carbonate, or copper nitrate at high temperatures; or by oxidizing electrolytic copper with air at 700–800 °C, followed by purification and grinding.
- Storage: Stored in dry, airtight containers at room temperature; keep away from reducing agents, strong acids, and food raw materials; shelf life is about 3 years under proper storage.
- Safety: Operate in a well-ventilated environment; wear dust masks, gloves, and goggles; avoid inhalation of dust and skin/eye contact; wash thoroughly after handling; dispose of waste in accordance with hazardous chemical regulations.
