How to make copper (II) chloride: base – acid method

13 Oct 2019 Leave a Comment

In this post you will learn how to produce pure copper (II) chloride (CuCl₂) using basic copper carbonate, Cu₂(OH)₂CO₃ , which I’ll tell you how to prepare as well. These two are the kind of reactions that will result in quantitative yields if done correctly without much pouring from one container to another.

Chemicals needed for 126,80 g of copper (II) chloride:

• 185,71 g copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO₄ ⋅ 5H₂O )
• 130 g sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃)
• x g hydrochloric acid (HCl), where x is equal to 5500/conc. %

Prepare the basic copper carbonate

Let’s start with the basic copper carbonate. Dissolve 185,71 g of cupper sulfate pentahydrate in as little water as possible. Pour the solution into a very large and tall container, since a lot of foaming will occur. Use a tablespoon to add the dry sodium bicarbonate to the copper sulfate solution. After each addition, wait for the bubbling to die down, stir, then add more. After the last portion, the solution should have turned transparent and a lot of blu-ish solid will have formed. This is the reaction:

Let the powder settle down and remove as much liquid as possible. Add some distilled water, stir well, let sit and remove the supernatant. Repeat at least 5 more times in order to get rid of the sodium sulfate and excess sodium bicarbonate, which was used to make sure all of the copper sulfate would react. Be careful not to lose any of the product.

Actual synthesis of copper II chloride

Now, slowly add the hydrochloric acid to the slur and stir. If some of the copper carbonate hasn’t reacted, add more acid until all of it is dissolved.

Filter the solution into a crystallising dish or a tray and let dry. I suggest you cover the tray with a fine mesh in order to allow water vapor to escape but keep dust or insects from getting into the solution.

The reactions produce a lot of carbon dioxide, so perform them outside or in a well ventilated area.

Hope you liked this post! I will explain all of the maths to calculate the amount of reagents needed as soon as possible. Stay tuned!

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Experiments, Inorganic chemistry chemical reactions, Chemistry, how to make copper II chloride