Copper Chemical Properties,Uses,Production
Chemical Properties
Reddish brown metal; face-centered cubic crystal; density 8.92 g/cm3; Mohs hardness 2.5 to 3.0; Brinnel hardness 43 (annealed); electrical resistivity 1.71 microhm-cm at 25°C; Poisson's ratio 0.33; melts at 1,083°C; vaporizes at 2,567°C; insoluble in water; dissolves in nitric acid and hot sulfuric acid; slightly soluble in hydrochloric acid; also soluble in ammonium hydroxide, ammonium carbonate and potassium cyanide solutions.
Chemical Properties
Copper is a reddish-brown metal which occurs free or in ores, such as malachite, cuprite, and chalcopyrite.
History
The discovery of copper dates from
prehistoric times. It is said to have been mined for more than
5000 years. It is one of man’s most important metals. Copper
is reddish colored, takes on a bright metallic luster, and is malleable,
ductile, and a good conductor of heat and electricity
(second only to silver in electrical conductivity). The electrical
industry is one of the greatest users of copper. Copper occasionally
occurs native, and is found in many minerals such
as cuprite, malachite, azurite, chalcopyrite, and bornite. Large
copper ore deposits are found in the U.S., Chile, Zambia,
Zaire, Peru, and Canada. The most important copper ores
are the sulfides, oxides, and carbonates. From these, copper
is obtained by smelting, leaching, and by electrolysis. Its alloys,
brass and bronze, long used, are still very important; all
American coins are now copper alloys; monel and gun metals
also contain copper. The most important compounds are the
oxide and the sulfate, blue vitriol; the latter has wide use as an
agricultural poison and as an algicide in water purification.
Copper compounds such as Fehling’s solution are widely used
in analytical chemistry in tests for sugar. High-purity copper
(99.999 + %) is readily available commercially. The price of
commercial copper has fluctuated widely. The price of copper
in December 2001 was about $1.50/kg. Natural copper contains
two isotopes. Twenty-six other radioactive isotopes and
isomers are known.
Uses
Copper-based ingredients are often used as coloring agents in cosmetics. Copper itself is nontoxic, but soluble copper salts, notably copper sulfite, are skin irritants. In the body, copper combines with certain proteins to produce a variety of enzymes, which in turn serve as catalysts for different functions. For example, copper plays a role in the keratinization process. In normal skin, this catalytic action is completed in 8 to 12 hours, however more than three days may be required in cases of copper deficiency. Through such enzymatic activity, copper is involved in melanin production, as decreased pigmentation has been observed in cases of copper deficiency. Such enzyme-based action also links copper to maintaining and repairing the skin’s connective tissues (collagen and elastin), as well as to wound healing.
Uses
Copper is a metal that occurs naturally throughout the environment, in rocks, soil, water, and air. Copper is an essential element in plants and animals (including humans), which means it is necessary for us to live. Therefore, plants and animals must absorb some copper from eating, drinking, and breathing.
The use of copper dates back to prehistoric times. The metal, its compounds, and alloys have numerous applications in every sphere of life–making it one of the most important metals. Practically all coinages in the world are made out of copper or its alloys. Its alloys, bronze and brass, date from ancient times. More modern alloys such as monel, gun metals, and berylliumcopper also have wide applications. The metal is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat and is used in electric wiring, switches and electrodes. Other applications are in plumbing, piping, roofing, cooking utensils, construction materials, and electroplated protective coatings. Its compounds, namely the oxides, sulfates, and chlorides, have numerous of commercial applications.
Copper is distributed widely in nature as sulfides, oxides, arsenides, arsenosulfides, and carbonates. It occurs in the minerals cuprite, chalcopyrite, azurite, chalcocite, malachite and bornite. Most copper minerals are sulfides or oxides. Native copper contains the metal in uncombined form.
Uses
Copper is a metal necessary for the maintenance of normal erythro-
poiesis and the prevention of iron deficiency anemia, iron being
essential in hemoglobin synthesis.
Definition
Metallic element of atomic number 29, group IB of
the periodic table, aw 63.546, valences 1, 2; two
stable isotopes.
Uses
manufacture of bronzes, brass, other copper alloys, electrical conductors, ammunition, copper salts, works of art.
General Description
Reddish lustrous malleable odorless metallic solid.
Air & Water Reactions
Solid pieces are very slowly oxidized by air to give a green basic carbonate. Solid pieces become covered by a black oxide when heated in air. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Copper combines violently with chlorine trifluoride in the presence of carbon [Mellor 2, Supp. 1, 1956]. Is oxidized by sodium peroxide with incandescence [Mellor 2:490-93, 1946-1947]. Forms an unstable acetylide when acetylene is passed over samples that have been heated enough to form an oxide coating. Reacts more rapidly in powdered or granular form. Subject to explosive reaction then mixed in finely divided form with finely divided bromates chlorates and iodates of barium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, or zinc; these reactions are initiated by heat, percussion, and occasionally light friction [Mellor 2:310, 1946-1947]. A solution of sodium azide in Copper pipe with lead joints formed Copper azide and lead azide, both of these compounds can detonate [Klotz, 1973].
Hazard
Flammable in finely divided form. Gastrointestinal irritant and metal fume fever.
Health Hazard
Occupational workers exposed to copper fumes, dust and mists in work areas develop
symptoms of poisoning. These include irritation to the mucous membrane, nasal, and
pharyngeal irritation; nasal perforation, eye irritation, metallic or sweet taste, dermatitis;
prolonged periods of exposure to high concentrations cause anemia, adverse effects to the
lung, liver, and kidney. The exposed worker also suffers from metal fume fever; chills,
muscle aches, nausea, fever, dry throat, coughing, weakness, lassitude, irritation of the
eyes and the upper respiratory tract, discolored skin and hair, and acute lung damage.
Occupational workers exposed to copper dust suffer from gastrointestinal disturbances,
headache, vertigo, drowsiness, and hepatomegaly. Vineyard workers chronically exposed
to Bordeaux mixture (copper sulfate and lime) exhibit degenerative changes of the lungs
and liver. Dermal exposure to copper may cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Copper is required for collagen formation. Copper defi ciency is associated with atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions. Any kind of imbalance of copper in the
body causes health disorders that include, but are not limited to, arthritis, fatigue, adrenal burnout, insomnia, scoliosis, osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, migraine headaches,
seizures, gum disease, tooth decay, skin and hair problems, and uterine fi broids, endometriosis (in females). Copper defi ciency is associated with aneurysms, gout, anemia, and
osteoporosis.
Exposures to copper in the form of dusts and mists cause irritation to the eyes, respiratory system, mucous membrane, nasal, pharyngeal irritation cough, dyspnea (breathing diffi culty), and wheezing. Prolonged exposures are known to cause nasal perforation.
Copper has caused anemia and damage to the lung, liver, and kidney in experimental
laboratory animals. Reports have indicated that copper dusts and fumes are potential
occupational carcinogens.
Safety Profile
Toxic by inhalation.
Questionable carcinogen with experimental
tumorigenic data. Experimental teratogenic
and reproductive effects. Human systemic
effects by ingestion: nausea and vomiting.
See also COPPER COMPOUNDS. Liquid
copper explodes on contact with water.
Potentially explosive reaction with acetylenic
compounds, 3-bromopropyne, ethylene
oxide, lead azide, and ammonium nitrate.
Iptes on contact with chlorine, chlorine
trifluoride, fluorine (above 121℃), and
hydrazinium nitrate (above 70'). Reacts
violently with C2H2, bromates, chlorates,
iodates, (Cl2 + OF2), dimethyl sulfoxide +
trichloroacetic acid, ethylene oxide, H202,
hydrazine mononitrate, hydrazoic acid, H2S
+ air, Pb(N3)2, K2O2, NaN3, Na2O2, sulfuric
acid. Incandescent reaction with potassium
dioxide. Incompatible with 1 -bromo-2
propyne.
Potential Exposure
Exposure to fume may occur in copper and brass plants; and during the welding of copper alloys; Metallic copper is an excellent conductor of electricity and is widely used in the electrical industry in all gauges of wire for circuitry, coil, and armature windings; high conductivity tubes; commutator bars, etc. It is made into castings, sheets, rods, tubing, and wire and is used in water and gas piping; roofing materials; cooking utensils; chemical and pharmaceutical equipment and coinage. Copper forms many important alloys: Be-Cu alloy, brass, bronze; gunmetal, bell metal; German silver; aluminum bronze, silicon bronze; phosphor bronze; and manganese bronze. Copper compounds are used as insecticides, algicides, molluscicides, plant fungicides, mordants, pigments, catalysts; as a copper supplement for pastures; and in the manufacture of powdered bronze paint and percussion caps. They are also utilized in analytical reagents, in paints for ships’ bottoms; in electroplating; and in the solvent for cellulose in rayon manufacture.
First aid
If copper dust or powder gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If copper dusts or powder contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Shipping
UN3089 Metal powders, flammable, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 4.1; Labels: 4.1-Flammable solid. Copper, elemental is not specifically cited in DOT’s PerformanceOriented Packaging Standards.
Incompatibilities
Copper dust, fume, and mists form shock-sensitive compounds with acetylene gas, acetylenic compounds, azides, and ethylene oxides. Incompatible with acids, chemically active metals, such as potassium; sodium, magnesium, zinc, zirconium, strong bases. Violent reaction, possibly explosive, if finely divided material come in contact with strong oxidizers
Waste Disposal
Copper-containing wastes can be concentrated through the use of ion exchange, reverse osmosis, or evaporators to the point where copper can be electrolytically removed and sent to a reclaiming firm. If recovery is not feasible, the copper can be precipitated through the use of caustics and the sludge deposited in a chemical waste landfill. Copper-containing soluble wastes can be concentrated through the use of ion exchange, reverse osmosis, or evaporators to the point where copper can be electrolytically removed and sent to a reclaiming firm. If recovery is not feasible, the copper can be precipitated through the use of caustics and the sludge deposited in a chemical waste landfill
Copper Preparation Products And Raw materials
Raw materials
Preparation Products
Cupric nitrate
2-PHENYL-4-[3H]QUINAZOLINONE
1-(2-fluoro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)ethan-1-one
TERT-BUTYL 4-(5-FORMYLPYRID-2-YL)PIPERAZINE-1-CARBOXYLATE
Arsenic-copper alloy
Lobenzarit
Copper dinitrate
5-Methoxysalicylic acid
FLAVANTHRONE
4-Ethylphenol
DIALLYL MALEATE
Tolclofos-methyl
Pyriproxyfen
1-(2-amino[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)ethan-1-one
1,4-DINITROBENZENE
2,4-DIMETHYLQUINOLINE
5-Hydroxyvanillin
5-METHOXYBENZOFURAN-2-BORONIC ACID
5-Hydroxyanthranilic acid
1-(2-NITRO-BIPHENYL-4-YL)-ETHANONE
SOLVENT YELLOW 85
1,2,3,4-Butanetetracarboxylic acid
9(10H)-ACRIDONE
4-CHLORO-2-PHENYLQUINAZOLINE
Masoprocol
lithium-ion battery
2-((4-ETHOXYPHENYL)AMINO)-4-NITROBENZOIC ACID
2-(2-AMINO-4-BIPHENYL)PROPIONITRILE
3-AMINO-6-METHOXYPYRIDAZINE
polyimide adhesive YJ-8 for strain gauge
4-Iodophenol
3-Bromotoluene
1,2-Dinitrobenzene
2-Bromotoluene
Vat Orange 11
3-Methylfuran
(1,1-DIMETHYL-PROP-2-YNYL)-HYDRAZINE
COMBRETASTATIN A-4
N,N,N',N'-Tetraphenylbenzidine
4-Iodophenoxyacetic acid
