Copper(II) chloride

Chemical compound

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Copper(II) chloride, also known as cupric chloride, is a chemical compound with the formula CuCl2. It is a brown powder that is highly soluble in water. Copper(II) chloride is used in various applications, including as a catalyst in organic synthesis and in the production of other copper compounds.

Structure and properties

Copper(II) chloride is a coordination complex with a distorted octahedral geometry. In its anhydrous form, it appears as a brown powder, while the dihydrate form is green. The compound is known for its ability to form complexes with other ligands, which makes it useful in coordination chemistry.

Applications

Copper(II) chloride is used in several industrial processes. It serves as a catalyst in the Wacker process, which is used to produce acetaldehyde from ethylene. It is also employed in the textile industry for dyeing and printing fabrics. Additionally, copper(II) chloride is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and as a desiccant in laboratory settings.

Safety and handling

Copper(II) chloride is classified as a toxic substance. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Proper safety precautions should be taken when handling this compound, including the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves and goggles. In case of contact with skin or eyes, the affected area should be rinsed thoroughly with water.

See also

• Copper(I) chloride
• Copper(II) sulfate
• Coordination chemistry

External links

• Copper(II) chloride on PubChem