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COPPER CHLORIDE

EC / List no.: 215-704-5
CAS no.: 1344-67-8

Copper chloride is the chemical compound with the chemical formula CuCl2. 
The anhydrous form is yellowish brown but slowly absorbs moisture to form a blue-green dihydrate.

Both the anhydrous and the dihydrate forms occur naturally as the very rare minerals tolbachite and eriochalcite, respectively. 

Chemical Properties    
(1) Brownish-yellow powder, hygroscopic, 
(2) green, deliquescent crystals, soluble in water and alcohol.

Uses:
Isomerization and cracking catalyst, mordant in dyeing and printing fabrics, sympathetic ink, disinfectant, pyrotechnics, wood preservation, fungicides, metallurgy, preservation of pulpwood, deodorizing and desulfurizing petroleum distillates, photography, water purification, feed additive, electroplating baths, pigment for glass and ceramics, acrylonitrile manufacturing.

Copper chloride is usually available in various concentration. 
Special packaging information is available on demand.
Copper chloride is stored in original packing and under conditions mentioned on the safety data sheet (SDS).

Structure
Anhydrous CuCl2 adopts a distorted cadmium iodide structure. 
In this motif, the copper centers are octahedral. 
Most copper compounds exhibit distortions from idealized octahedral geometry due to the Jahn-Teller effect, which in this case describes the localization of one d-electron into a molecular orbital that is strongly antibonding with respect to a pair of chloride ligands. 
In CuCl2·2H2O, the copper again adopts a highly distorted octahedral geometry, the Cu centers being surrounded by two water ligands and four chloride ligands, which bridge asymmetrically to other Cu centers.

Copper chloride is paramagnetic. Of historical interest, CuCl2·2H2O was used in the first electron paramagnetic resonance measurements by Yevgeny Zavoisky in 1944.

Properties and reactions

Aqueous solution prepared from copper chloride contain a range of copper complexes depending on concentration, temperature, and the presence of additional chloride ions. 
These species include blue color of [Cu(H2O)6]2+ and yellow or red color of the halide complexes of the formula [CuCl2+x]x−.

Hydrolysis
Copper(II) hydroxide precipitates upon treating copper chloride solutions with base:

CuCl2 + 2 NaOH → Cu(OH)2 + 2 NaCl

Partial hydrolysis gives dicopper chloride trihydroxide, Cu2(OH)3Cl, a popular fungicide.

Redox
copper chloride is a mild oxidant. 
Copper Chloride decomposes to copper(I) chloride and chlorine gas near 1000 °C:

2CuCl2 → 2 CuCl + Cl2
copper chloride (CuCl2) reacts with several metals to produce copper metal or copper(I) chloride (CuCl) with oxidation of the other metal. 
To convert copper chloride to copper(I) chloride, Copper Chloride can be convenient to reduce an aqueous solution with sulfur dioxide as the reductant:

2CuCl2 + SO2 + 2 H2O → 2 CuCl + 2 HCl + H2SO4
Coordination complexes
CuCl2 reacts with HCl or other chloride sources to form complex ions: the red CuCl3− (it is a dimer in reality, Cu2Cl62−, a couple of tetrahedrons that share an edge), and the green or yellow CuCl42−.

CuCl2 + Cl− ⇌ CuCl−3
CuCl2 + 2 Cl− ⇌ CuCl2−4

Some of these complexes can be crystallized from aqueous solution, and they adopt a wide variety of structures.

copper chloride also forms a variety of coordination complexes with ligands such as ammonia, pyridine and triphenylphosphine oxide:

CuCl2 + 2 C5H5N → [CuCl2(C5H5N)2] (tetragonal)
CuCl2 + 2 (C6H5)3PO → [CuCl2((C6H5)3PO)2] (tetrahedral)
However "soft" ligands such as phosphines (e.g., triphenylphosphine), iodide, and cyanide as well as some tertiary amines induce reduction to give copper(I) complexes.

Preparation
copper chloride is prepared commercially by the action of chlorination of copper. Copper at red heat (300-400°C) combines directly with chlorine gas, giving (molten) copper (II) chloride. The reaction is very exothermic.

Cu(s) + Cl2(g) → CuCl2(l)
Copper Chloride is also commercially practical to combine copper(II) oxide with an excess of ammonium chloride at similar temperatures, producing copper chloride, ammonia, and water:[citation needed]

CuO + 2NH4Cl → CuCl2 + 2NH3 + H2O
Although copper metal itself cannot be oxidised by hydrochloric acid, copper-containing bases such as the hydroxide, oxide, or copper(II) carbonate can react to form CuCl2 in an acid-base reaction.

Once prepared, a solution of CuCl2 may be purified by crystallization. 
A standard method takes the solution mixed in hot dilute hydrochloric acid, and causes the crystals to form by cooling in a Calcium chloride (CaCl2)-ice bath.

There are indirect and rarely used means of using copper ions in solution to form copper chloride. 
Electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride with copper electrodes produces (among other things) a blue-green foam that can be collected and converted to the hydrate. 
While this is not usually done due to the emission of toxic chlorine gas, and the prevalence of the more general chloralkali process, the electrolysis will convert the copper metal to copper ions in solution forming the compound. 
Indeed, any solution of copper ions can be mixed with hydrochloric acid and made into a copper chloride by removing any other ions.

Natural occurrence
copper chloride occurs naturally as the very rare anhydrous mineral tolbachite and the dihydrate eriochalcite.
Both are found near fumaroles and in some Cu mines.
More common are mixed oxyhydroxide-chlorides like atacamite Cu2(OH)3Cl, arising among Cu ore beds oxidation zones in arid climate (also known from some altered slags).

Uses:
Co-catalyst in Wacker process
A major industrial application for copper chloride is as a co-catalyst with palladium(II) chloride in the Wacker process. 
In this process, ethene (ethylene) is converted to ethanal (acetaldehyde) using water and air. 
During the reaction, PdCl2 is reduced to Pd, and the CuCl2 serves to re-oxidize this back to PdCl2. 
Air can then oxidize the resultant CuCl back to CuCl2, completing the cycle.


The overall process is:

2 C2H4 + O2 → 2 CH3CHO
Catalyst in production of chlorine
copper chloride is used as a catalyst in a variety of processes that produce chlorine by oxychlorination. 
The Deacon process takes place at about 400 to 450 °C in the presence of a copper chloride:

4 HCl + O2 → 2 Cl2 + 2 H2O
copper chloride catalyzes the chlorination in the production of vinyl chloride and dichloroethane.8

copper chloride is used in the Copper–chlorine cycle in which it splits steam into a copper oxygen compound and hydrogen chloride, and is later recovered in the cycle from the electrolysis of copper(I) chloride.

Other organic synthetic applications
copper chloride has some highly specialized applications in the synthesis of organic compounds.
Copper Chloride affects chlorination of aromatic hydrocarbons—this is often performed in the presence of aluminium oxide. 
Copper Chloride is able to chlorinate the alpha position of carbonyl compounds:

This reaction is performed in a polar solvent such as dimethylformamide (DMF), often in the presence of lithium chloride, which accelerates the reaction.

CuCl2, in the presence of oxygen, can also oxidize phenols. 
The major product can be directed to give either a quinone or a coupled product from oxidative dimerization. 
The latter process provides a high-yield route to 1,1-binaphthol:

Such compounds are intermediates in the synthesis of BINAP and its derivatives.

copper chloride dihydrate promotes the hydrolysis of acetonides, i.e., for deprotection to regenerate diols or aminoalcohols, as in this example (where TBDPS = tert-butyldiphenylsilyl):

CuCl2 also catalyses the free radical addition of sulfonyl chlorides to alkenes; the alpha-chlorosulfone may then undergo elimination with base to give a vinyl sulfone product.

Niche uses
copper chloride is also used in pyrotechnics as a blue/green coloring agent. 
In a flame test, copper chlorides, like all copper compounds, emit green-blue.

In humidity indicator cards (HICs), cobalt-free brown to azure (copper chloride base) HICs can be found on the market. 
In 1998, the European Community (EC) classified items containing cobalt(II) chloride of 0.01 to 1% w/w as T, with the corresponding R phrase of R49 (may cause cancer if inhaled)
As a consequence, new cobalt-free humidity indicator cards have been developed that contain copper.

Description
Information not available

Appearance
Copper chloride occurs as blue-green powder

Solubility
Copper chloride is highly soluble in water.

Uses:
Copper chloride is used as a catalyst for organic synthesis.

Classification
Copper chloride is harmful, if inhaled or swallowed; it is irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. Request safety data sheet (SDS) and refer to points 4, 5, 6, 8, 10,13, 14, 15. Technical specifications are provided on request according to the application.

Safety
Request safety data sheet (SDS) and refer to points 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13.

Specifications
Technical specifications are provided on request according to the application: copper chloride is stored in original packing and under conditions mentioned on the safety data sheet (SDS).

Synonyms
Copper chloride

Physical Description
Copper chloride appears as a yellowish-brown powder (the anhydrous form) or a green crystalline solid (the dihydrate). 
Noncombustible but hydrogen chloride gas may form when heated in a fire. 
Corrosive to aluminum. 
Used to manufacture other chemicals, in dyeing, in printing, in fungicides, as a wood preservative.

Color/Form
Yellow to brown, microcrystalline powder
Yellow-brown, monoclinic crystals

Pharmacology
Copper is an essential nutrient which serves as a co factor for serum ceruloplasmin, an oxidase necessary for proper formation of the iron carrier protein, transferrin. 
Copper also helps maintain normal rates of red and white blood cell formation. 
Providing copper during Total Parenteral Nutrition helps prevent development of the following deficiency symptoms: Leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, depressed ceruloplasmin levels, impaired transferrin formation, secondary iron deficiency and osteoporosis.


Uses
As catalyst for org and inorg reactions; in petroleum industry as deodorizing, desulfurizing, purifying agent; as mordant for dyeing and printing textiles; as oxidizing agent for aniline dyestuffs; in indelible, invisible, and laundry marking inks; in metallurgy in wet process for recovering mercury from ores; in refining copper, silver, gold; in tinting baths for iron, tin; in electrotyping baths for plating copper or aluminum; in photography as fixer, desensitizer, and reagent; in producing color in pyrotechnic compositions; in manufacturing of acrylonitrile, fast black (melanin); in pigments for glass, ceramics; as feed additive, wood preservative, disinfectant.


Isomerization and cracking catalyst. Mordant in dyeing and printing fabrics, sympathetic ink, disinfectant, pyrotechnics, wood preservation, fungicides, metallurgy, preservation of pulpwood, deodorizing and desulfurizing petroleum distillates, photography, water purification, feed additive, electroplating baths, pigment for glass and ceramics, acrylonitrile manufacturing.


In the preparation of copper(II) oxychloride; as a catalyst in numerous organic chlorination reactions such as the production of vinyl chloride or 1,2-dichloroethane; mordant and in the petroleum industry to sweeten sulfidic crude oil; for platting copper on aluminum, and in tinning baths for tin and germanium; as a pigment in glass and ceramics; as a wood preservative; and in water treatment.


Industry Uses
Agricultural chemicals (non-pesticidal)
Animal micro-nutrient formulation
Animal micronutrient formulation
Chemical wood preservatives, copper oxide, and other inorganic chemical formulations
Functional fluids (closed systems)
Inorganic chemical formulation that may include copper oxide, wood preservative formulations and other inorganic compounds.
Intermediates
Plating agents and surface treating agents
Process regulators
Processing aids, not otherwise listed
inorganic chemical formulation that may include copper oxide, wood preservative formulations, and other inorganic compounds
animal micronutrient formulation
chemical wood preservatives, copper oxide, and other inorganic chemical formulations.

Consumer Uses
Agricultural products (non-pesticidal)

General Manufacturing Information
Industry Processing Sectors
All other basic inorganic chemical manufacturing
All other basic organic chemical manufacturing
All other chemical product and preparation manufacturing
Catalyst Manufacturing
Computer and electronic product manufacturing
IS48 Printed Circuit Board Manufacture
Other - Secondary Precious Metals Reclamation
Pesticide, fertilizer, and other agricultural chemical manufacturing
All other basic inorganic chemical manufacturing
Pesticide, fertilizer, and other agricultural chemical manufacturing

Copper or Cupric Chloride is a highly water soluble copper source for uses compatible with chlorides. Chloride compounds can conduct electricity when fused or dissolved in water.
Chloride materials can be decomposed by electrolysis to chlorine gas and the metal. 
They are formed through various chlorination processes whereby at least one chlorine anion (Cl-) is covalently bonded to the relevant metal or cation. 
Ultra high purity and proprietary formulations can be prepared. 
The chloride ion controls fluid equilibrium and pH levels in metabolic systems. 
They can form either inorganic or organic compounds. 
Copper Chloride is generally immediately available in most volumes. High purity, submicron and nanopowder forms may be considered.
We also produce Copper Chloride Solution. 


Used as catalyst for organic and inorganic reactions; in petroleum industry as deodorizing, desulphurising and purifying agent. 
As mordant for dyeing andprinting textiles; as oxidizing agent for aniline dyestuffs; 
Also used in indelible, invisible and laundry-marking inks. 
Manufacture of fast black - melanin. 
Inwet process metallurgy recovering mercury from ores, in refining copper, silver, gold. 
In tinning baths for iron. 
Electroplating copper on aluminium. 
Inphotography as a fixer, desensitizer. 
Colour in pyrotechnic compositions.
Pigments for glass, ceramics. 
Component of wood preservative, disinfectant.Component of animal feed supplement.

APPLICATION: 
Isomerization and cracking catalyst, mordant in dyeing and printing fabrics, sympathetic ink, disinfectant, pyrotechnics, wood preservation, fungicides, metallurgy, preservation of pulpwood, deodorizing and desulfurizing petroleum distillates, photography, water purification, feed additive, electroplating baths, pigment for glass and ceramics, acrylonitrile manufacturing.

As Catalyst for Organic Reactions, Catalyst, Decolorizers & Desulfuring Agent in petr industry, in Dinitration in Dinitration of Cellulose,as Condensing Agent for Soaps, Fats & Oils, in Gas Analysis to absorb Carbon Monoxide.

IUPAC NAMES:
Copper chloride
copper chloride
copper(2+) ion dichloride


SYNONYMS:
COPPER CHLORIDE
COPPER ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY STANDARD
COPPER AA STANDARD CONCENTRATE
Copper (II) chloride, 9.5% min in graphite
Cupric Chloride, Dihydrate, Crystal, Reagent
Copper chloride [un2802] [corrosive]
Einecs 215-704-5
Kirticopper
Un2802
Copper, diaquadichloro-
HAMP-OL
CUPRIC CHLORIDE
CUPRIC CHLORIDE
Copper chloride
Copper(II) chloride
Copper dichloride
Cupric chloride anhydrous
Copper bichloride
Cupric dichloride
Copper(2+) chloride
CuCl2
Copper chloride (CuCl2)
dichlorocopper
Copper(2+)chloride
COPPER (II) CHLORIDE
Copper(II) chloride (1:2)
Coclor
Copper(II)chloride
Copper(II) chloride, anhydrous
CHEBI:49553
NSC165706
Copper chloride (VAN)
CCRIS 6883
HSDB 259
Cl2Cu
Cupric chloride in plastic container
EINECS 231-210-2
copper (II)chloride
copper(II)-chloride
copper (II) cloride
NSC 165706
copper (II)-chloride
AI3-01658
Epitope ID:156811
Copper(II) chloride, 97%
Copper (II) chloride, 95%
Copper(II) chloride, ultra dry
Copper(II) chloride, powder, 99%
8309AF
Copper(II) chloride, p.a., 97%
Copper(II) chloride, LR, >=98%
AKOS015902778
DB09131
NSC-165706
BP-13443
NCI60_001274
Copper (II) Chloride, Trace metals grade
FT-0624119
EC 231-210-2
Copper(II) chloride, SAJ first grade, >=98.0%
Q421781
Copper(II) chloride, 99.999% trace metals basis
Copper(II) chloride, anhydrous, powder, >=99.995% trace metals basis
Copper (II) chloride, ultra dry, powder, ampoule, 99.995% trace metals grade
Copper atomic spectroscopy standard concentrate 1.00 g Cu, 1.00 g/L, for 1L standard solution, analytical standard

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