General Description
Obtained as a trihydrate and as a hexahydrate. Both are blue crystalline solids. Used in medicine, as an insecticide, in chemical analysis, in making light sensitive papers. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires involving this material.
Reactivity Profile
Mixtures of CUPRIC NITRATE(3251-23-8) with alkyl esters may explode, owing to the formation of alkyl nitrates. Mixtures with phosphorus, tin(II) chloride or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick, 1979 p. 108-109]. A finely divided mixture of potassium ferrocyanide and CUPRIC NITRATE(3251-23-8) exploded when dried at 220°C [Chem. Abst. 77:1343 (1972)]. Noncombustible, but CUPRIC NITRATE(3251-23-8) will accelerate the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities of the material are involved in a fire or the material is finely divided, an explosion may result. Prolonged exposure to fire or heat may result in an explosion.
Air & Water Reactions
Deliquescent. Water soluble.
Hazard
Oxidizer, causes violent combustion or
explosion with organic materials.
Health Hazard
Inhalation causes irritation of throat and lungs. Ingestion of large amounts causes violent vomiting and purging, intense pain, collapse, coma, convulsions, and paralysis. Solutions irritate eyes; contact with solid causes severe eye surface injury and skin irritation.
Potential Exposure
Cupric nitrate is used as an insecticide, in paint, varnish, enamel, and in wood preservatives. Metal compounds are often used in “hot” operations in the work-place. These may include, but are not limited to, welding, brazing, soldering, plating, cutting, and metallizing. At the high temperatures reached in these operations, metals often form metal fumes which have different health effects and exposure standards than the original metal compound and require specialized controls.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least Cupric Nitrate 951 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical 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
UN1479 Oxidizing solid, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 5.1; Labels: 5.1-Oxidizer, Technical Name Required.
Incompatibilities
A strong oxidizer. Aqueous solution is acidic; incompatible with bases. Violent reaction with potassium hexacyanoferrate; ammonia and potassium amide mixtures; acetic anhydrides, cyanides, ethers. Forms explosive materials with nitromethanes, sodium hypobromite; acetylene; chemically active metals, such as potassium, sodium, etc. May ignite on contact with aluminum foil or tin. Risk of spontaneous combustion with combustibles (wood, cloth, etc.) organics, or reducing agents and readily oxidizable materials. Attacks metals in the presence of moisture.
Description
Cupric nitrate is a blue crystalline solid.Molecular weight=187.55; Boiling point=170℃ (decomposes below this point); Freezing/Melting point=115℃.Soluble in water. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 1, Flammability 0,Reactivity 3 (Oxidizer). Soluble in water;solubility=135 g/100 mL (trihydrate).
Chemical Properties
Cupric nitrate is a Blue crystalline solid.
Waste Disposal
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. Add slowly to water; stir in excess soda ash. Let stand, then neutralize. Decant solution and flush to sewer; landfill sludge
Definition
ChEBI: An inorganic nitrate salt having copper(2+) as the couterion.
Purification Methods
Crystallise it from weak aqueous HNO3 (0.5mL/g) by cooling from room temperature. The anhydrous salt can be prepared by dissolving copper metal in a 1:1 mixture of liquid NO2 and ethyl acetate and purified by sublimation [Evans et al. J Chem Soc, Faraday Trans 1 75 1023 1979]. The hexahydrate dehydrates to the trihydrate at 26o, and the anhydrous salt sublimes between 150 and 225o, but melts at 255-256o and is deliquescent.
