What Is Copper Phosphate?
Copper phosphate Cu3(PO4)2 exists in various hydrated forms including anhydrous, monohydrate, and trihydrate. Also known as tricopper bis-orthophosphate, it is recognized for its vibrant blue-green color and its CAS number for the anhydrous form is 7798-23-4.
Uses of Copper Phosphate
This compound serves multiple roles across different industries, including as an organocatalyst, fertilizer, emulsifier, corrosion inhibitor, metal protector, and feed additive. While its application as a metal protectant in phosphatization processes is limited, it is explored as an inorganic pigment due to its excellent color properties.
Properties of Copper Phosphate
Anhydrous copper phosphate has a molecular weight of 380.58 and forms a bright blue-green powder, whereas the trihydrate variant, weighing 434.63, presents as blue or olive-colored crystals. It is insoluble in water, ethanol, and acetone but dissolves in dilute hydrochloric acid and ammonia solutions.
Types of Copper Phosphate
Primarily marketed for research and development, copper phosphate is available in quantities suitable for laboratory use. The exact chemical composition can vary due to the presence of basic salts and production lot differences.
Other Information on Copper Phosphate
1. Synthesis
Synthesis methods include reacting phosphoric acid with copper hydroxide or diammonium phosphate with copper oxide at elevated temperatures.
2. Crystal Structure
Its structure forms a coordination polymer typical of metal phosphates, with the phosphate center adopting a tetrahedral geometry. Copper centers vary in coordination depending on the hydrate form.
3. Reactivity
Stable under recommended conditions, copper phosphate reacts with strong oxidizers and decomposes into hazardous products under certain conditions.
4. Toxicological Information
Classified as acutely toxic if ingested, handling requires caution to avoid skin and eye contact. It is regulated under various laws for its toxic nature, necessitating compliance with safety and health regulations during handling and disposal.