Copper(Ii) Oxide (Cuo): Properties, Uses, And Chemical Characteristics

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Copper(II) Oxide (CuO), also known as cupric oxide, is a chemical compound with a molecular weight of 79.55 g/mol. It exists as a black, crystalline solid with a high density of 6.31 g/cm³. CuO exhibits a negligible solubility in water and has specific melting and boiling points. The IUPAC name for this compound is Copper(II) Oxide, and its CAS number is 1317-39-1.

Copper(II) Oxide: An Industrial Powerhouse with Diverse Applications

In the realm of materials science, copper(II) oxide reigns as a versatile and indispensable compound. This transition metal oxide boasts a unique blend of chemical properties and industrial applications that have propelled it to prominence in various sectors.

Copper(II) oxide, also known as cupric oxide, is a compound of copper and oxygen with the chemical formula CuO. Its rich chemical composition grants it a wide array of physical and chemical characteristics. In its pure form, cupric oxide appears as a black, crystalline powder. Its insulating properties, high thermal conductivity, and non-magnetic nature make it a valuable component in electronics, thermal applications, and magnetic resonance imaging systems.

Beyond its fundamental properties, copper(II) oxide has found widespread use in industries such as:

  • Electronics: As a key component of high-temperature superconductors, cupric oxide enables energy-efficient power transmission and advanced electronic devices.
  • Thermal Applications: Its high thermal conductivity makes it an ideal material for heat sinks and thermal insulators.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Its paramagnetic properties enhance the contrast in MRI scans, aiding in the diagnosis of medical conditions.
  • Pigments and Coatings: Cupric oxide's black color and resistance to fading make it a popular pigment in paints, ceramics, and roofing materials.
  • Gas Sensing: It is used as a sensing agent in devices that detect the presence of toxic gases like carbon monoxide.
  • Catalysis: Cupric oxide serves as a catalyst in chemical reactions, facilitating efficient production of various chemicals and materials.

Chemical Nomenclature: Unveiling the Names of Copper(II) Oxide

Copper(II) oxide, a compound with remarkable properties, possesses a rich tapestry of names. Let's embark on a captivating journey to unravel the fascinating world of chemical nomenclature.

IUPAC Name: Copper(II) Oxide

According to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), this compound is officially named copper(II) oxide. This systematic name meticulously conveys the presence of copper in the +2 oxidation state and the presence of oxygen.

Common Names: Unveiling Familiarity

Copper(II) oxide has earned several common names, each carrying a story of its own. Black copper oxide vividly depicts its deep, dark hue, while cupric oxide highlights its copper content. The term tenorite resonates with its mineral form, found in nature as a lustrous, black mineral.

Alternative Names: A World of Synonymity

Beyond the common names, copper(II) oxide boasts a repertoire of alternative names. Copper oxide (CuO) serves as a straightforward alternative, while monocopper oxide emphasizes its composition of one copper atom per molecule. Cupric oxide and copper(II) monoxide delve into the molecular structure, pinpointing the presence of copper in the +2 oxidation state and oxygen in a 1:1 ratio, respectively.

With this understanding of copper(II) oxide's chemical nomenclature, we venture further into the world of this intriguing compound, exploring its chemical formula and physical properties. Stay tuned for the next installment of our captivating journey!

Chemical Formula and CAS Number: Identifying Copper(II) Oxide

Just like every individual has a unique name and identification number, chemical compounds also have distinct identifiers. For copper(II) oxide, its chemical formula serves as its molecular fingerprint, while its Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number is a unique numerical code assigned to distinguish it from other substances.

The chemical formula of copper(II) oxide is CuO, indicating that each molecule is composed of one copper atom (Cu) and one oxygen atom (O). This formula provides crucial information about the compound's composition and atomic ratios, helping chemists understand its structure and properties.

The CAS number for copper(II) oxide is 1317-39-1. This number is assigned by the CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, to ensure unambiguous identification of chemical substances. Scientists, researchers, and regulatory bodies worldwide use the CAS number to access detailed information about copper(II) oxide and its various applications.

Physical Properties of Copper(II) Oxide: A Unique Perspective

Molecular Weight: A Crucial Identity Marker

The molecular weight of a compound provides valuable insights into its atomic composition. For copper(II) oxide, this characteristic value stands at 79.545 g/mol. This weight represents the combined mass of its constituent elements: one copper atom (weight: 63.546 g/mol) and one oxygen atom (weight: 15.999 g/mol). The molecular weight of copper(II) oxide serves as a unique identifier, distinguishing it from other compounds with different elemental proportions.

Density: A Measure of Compactness

The density of a substance measures how tightly its molecules are packed together. Copper(II) oxide possesses a density of 6.31 g/cm³, indicating its relatively compact structure. This property influences the compound's behavior in various applications, such as its use as a pigment in paints and ceramics.

Appearance: Unveiling Visual Characteristics

Copper(II) oxide's physical appearance reveals its distinctive nature. It manifests as a black, crystalline powder. This powder form results from the arrangement of copper and oxygen atoms within its crystal lattice. The crystalline structure implies a regular and ordered arrangement of these atoms, contributing to its characteristic appearance.

Melting and Boiling Points of Copper(II) Oxide: A Tale of Heat and Transformations

Copper(II) oxide is a fascinating and versatile compound with a unique set of properties. One of the most intriguing aspects of this substance is its behavior under extreme temperatures. Join us as we delve into the melting and boiling points of copper(II) oxide and explore the captivating transformations that occur at these critical junctures.

At 1,326 degrees Celsius (2,419 degrees Fahrenheit), a remarkable transformation takes place. The solid copper(II) oxide begins to melt, transitioning into a molten state. As the temperature continues to rise, the molten copper(II) oxide will eventually reach its boiling point of 2,327 degrees Celsius (4,221 degrees Fahrenheit).

At this elevated temperature, the molten copper(II) oxide will vaporize, transforming into a copper(II) oxide vapor. This vapor is composed of individual molecules of copper(II) oxide, which can travel freely through the air.

Understanding the melting and boiling points of copper(II) oxide is crucial for its safe handling and utilization in various industrial applications. Industries that rely on copper(II) oxide must ensure that the material is heated to the appropriate temperature and in a controlled environment to prevent accidents or damage to equipment.

By unraveling the secrets of copper(II) oxide's melting and boiling points, we gain insights into its unique behavior and broaden our understanding of this remarkable compound.

Copper(II) Oxide: Exploring Its Negligible Solubility in Water

In the realm of chemistry, the behavior of substances in different solvents unveils their unique properties and applications. Among these substances, copper(II) oxide (CuO) stands out with its exceptional stability and intriguing solubility characteristics.

Understanding Copper(II) Oxide

Delving into the world of copper(II) oxide reveals its black or reddish-brown appearance, a testament to its chemical composition and crystalline structure. This inorganic compound, with a molecular weight of 79.55 g/mol, is renowned for its versatility in various industrial sectors.

Solubility in Water: A Story of Negligibility

When it comes to solubility, copper(II) oxide exhibits a distinct trait: it is virtually insoluble in water. This extraordinary low solubility stems from the strong ionic bonds that hold the copper and oxygen atoms together. The lattice energy required to break these bonds far exceeds the energy provided by water molecules, rendering dissolution highly unlikely.

Implications of Negligible Solubility

The negligible solubility of copper(II) oxide in water has far-reaching implications. For instance, it explains why this compound does not form aqueous solutions and why it remains as a solid phase when exposed to water. This characteristic also affects its environmental behavior, as it is not readily leached from soils or other solid matrices.

Furthermore, the low solubility of copper(II) oxide underscores its chemical stability. It resists hydrolysis and other reactions that could alter its composition, making it a suitable choice for applications where durability is paramount.

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