Product Description
Cu2+ ions (Cu) and two NO3- ions form an anhydrous crystalline salt that has an orthorhombic crystal structure. The salt is easily hydrated to produce a hexa and tri hydrate that are rhombohedral and octahedral in crystallinity, respectively.
The chemical formula of the hydrated copper II nitrate molecule has an internal coordination sphere that is shared by four oxygen atoms that coordinate instantly with the center of the copper. The water molecules also form hydrogen bonds to the NO3- groups.
A blue sphere of water resides around the copper molecule in the solid phase. The hydration of the copper II nitrate salt to a hexahydrate gives it a rhombohedral structure, while the octahedral hydrates have a Jahn-Teller distortion that does not affect the morphological properties of the hexa and tri hydrates.
Copper II nitrate is an excellent source of ionic copper for many reactions, particularly those that catalyze organic reactions. It also finds use as a wood preservative.
Its pyrolysis produces toxic oxides of Nitrogen that can cause irritation to the throat, lungs and eyes. It also causes fire breakouts when combined with wood.
It is used as a reagent in school laboratories to demonstrate chemical voltaic cell reactions. It is also a component in some ceramic glazes and metal patinas.
