Industrial grade 99.5% Cupric nitrate trihydrate CAS 10031-43-3

Cupric Nitrate Trihydrate — Product Detail Page

1. Product Overview

Cupric nitrate trihydrate (Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O, CAS 10031-43-3) is the most common commercial form of copper(II) nitrate — a deep-blue, hygroscopic crystalline solid with outstanding water solubility. It is the standard soluble copper salt for industrial and laboratory chemistry: a catalyst precursor (converted to copper oxide for a wide range of organic processes), a versatile reagent in organic synthesis (aromatic nitration, thiol oxidation), a component of textile treatments, metal polishes, ceramic glazes and metal patinas, and a copper source for electrowinning. The combination of a redox-active copper(II) center and a powerful nitrate oxidizer makes it useful across catalysis, surface treatment and electrochemical applications.

Core value propositions:

● Soluble Copper Source: among the most water-soluble copper salts, ideal for solution chemistry;

● Catalyst Precursor: clean conversion to copper oxide for organic-process catalysis;

● Oxidizing Reagent: nitrate-plus-copper chemistry for nitration and oxidation reactions;

● Multi-Industry Reach: textiles, polishing, ceramics, patinas and electrowinning.

2. Product Information (Quick Facts)

3. Chemistry & Structure

Cupric nitrate trihydrate is composed of copper(II) cations (Cu²⁺), nitrate anions and three molecules of water of crystallization. In water the copper(II) ion exists as the hexaaqua complex [Cu(H₂O)₆]²⁺, a labile, intensely blue species whose d⁹ electronic configuration allows rapid ligand exchange — which is why copper nitrate dissolves so freely and reacts quickly. In the solid state the hydrated salt crystallizes in a rhombohedral lattice in which copper centers are bridged by nitrate groups. Two chemical features define its behavior: the nitrate anion is a strong oxidizing group, and copper(II) is a classic redox-active transition-metal center spanning Cu²⁺/Cu⁺/Cu⁰ oxidation states. On heating, the hydrate first loses and reacts its water (around 80 °C) to give basic copper nitrate, which decomposes further (around 180 °C) to copper(II) oxide with release of nitrogen oxides and oxygen — chemistry exploited when the salt is used as a CuO catalyst precursor. The compound is strongly hygroscopic and must be stored in airtight containers.

4. Key Features & Benefits

● Extreme water solubility: among the most soluble copper salts for aqueous formulation.

● Clean catalyst route: thermal conversion to copper oxide, a widely used organic-process catalyst.

● Dual redox-activity: oxidizing nitrate + redox-active Cu(II) for versatile reagent chemistry.

● Established reagent systems: Menke nitration, Claycop and related supported reagents.

● Multi-surface versatility: textiles, metal polishing, ceramics and patinas.

● Consistent quality: assay, copper content, appearance and moisture control per batch.

5. Main Applications

5.1 Catalyst Precursor & Oxidation Chemistry (Core Application)

The principal use of cupric nitrate is as a precursor to copper-based catalysts and oxidants:

● Copper oxide production: thermal decomposition yields CuO, a catalyst for a variety of organic processes.

● Catalyst preparation: impregnation and calcination routes to supported copper catalysts.

● Oxidation chemistry: the copper/nitrate combination oxidizes thiols to disulfides and related transformations.

● Heterogeneous reagents: adsorption onto clay (Claycop) gives a versatile slurry oxidant.

5.2 Organic Synthesis Reagents

Copper nitrate participates in established synthetic methods:

● Aromatic nitration (Menke nitration): copper nitrate with acetic anhydride nitrates aromatic compounds.

● Thiol-to-disulfide oxidation: Claycop slurries convert thiols cleanly to disulfides.

● Carbonyl regeneration: conversion of dithioacetals back to carbonyls.

● Supported nitration: clay-supported copper nitrate for directed aromatic nitration.

5.3 Textile & Metal Surface Treatment

Copper nitrate solutions are used in surface and material finishing:

● Textile processing: copper salt solutions for textile treatment and dyeing auxiliaries.

● Metal polishing agents: ingredient in metal polishing and finishing formulations.

● Surface preparation: copper deposition and conditioning in speciality finishing lines.

5.4 Ceramics, Patinas & Decorative Applications

The deep blue copper color chemistry extends into decorative materials:

● Ceramic glazes: copper colorant and flux component in glaze formulations.

● Metal patinas: controlled formation of green/blue copper patina finishes on metalwork.

● Coloring chemistry: source of copper chromophore in pigments and colored coatings.

5.5 Electrochemical & Specialty Applications

The salt's conductivity and clean copper electrochemistry support electrolytic use:

● Copper electrowinning: small-scale electrowinning of copper from ammoniacal alkaline solutions.

● Electrolyte and bath chemistry: copper source for specialized electrochemical processes.

● Teaching and demonstration: classic reagent for voltaic-cell and copper chemistry demonstrations.

6. Packaging, Storage

Packaging (customizable):

● Standard: 25 kg HDPE drums or fiber drums with PE liner;

Storage:

● Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat and direct sunlight.

● Keep containers tightly closed — the salt is hygroscopic and may deliquesce in humid air.

● Keep away from combustible materials, reducing agents and organic matter (strong oxidizer).

● Recommended shelf life under dry storage: check COA (typically 24 months from production).

7. Why Choose Jinan Future Chemical Co., Ltd.?

● Factory-direct supply: own sourcing and distribution capability, transparent pricing, no middleman markup.

● Stable quality: every batch tested (assay, copper content, moisture, appearance), COA with every shipment.

● Fast response: quotations and technical support; small trial orders accepted.

8. FAQ

Q1: What is cupric nitrate trihydrate used for?

Cupric nitrate trihydrate is a highly soluble copper salt used mainly as a catalyst precursor (converted to copper oxide for organic processes), as a reagent in organic synthesis (aromatic nitration, thiol oxidation), and in textile treatment, metal polishing, ceramic glazes, metal patinas and small-scale copper electrowinning.

Q2: Why is copper nitrate so soluble in water?

In water, copper(II) forms the intensely blue hexaaqua complex [Cu(H₂O)₆]²⁺. Because copper(II) has a d⁹ electronic configuration, the coordinated water molecules exchange rapidly and the nitrate counterions dissociate freely, so the lattice dissolves easily — cupric nitrate is one of the most water-soluble copper salts, dissolving hundreds of grams per 100 mL at moderate temperature.

Q3: What happens when cupric nitrate trihydrate is heated?

On heating, the hydrate first converts to basic copper nitrate (around 80 °C) and then decomposes to copper(II) oxide (around 180 °C), releasing nitrogen oxides and oxygen. This clean thermal route to CuO is exactly why the salt is used as a catalyst precursor. Because nitrogen oxides are released, heating should always be done with adequate ventilation.

Q4: Is cupric nitrate trihydrate safe to handle?

It is an oxidizing solid and a corrosive irritant — GHS H272/H314/H410 (Danger). Keep it away from heat, flames, combustibles and reducing agents; wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing and eye protection; avoid inhaling dust; and do not discharge to waterways (aquatic hazard). It is classed as an oxidizing substance (Class 5.1) for transport, and occupational exposure guidance for copper (TWA 1 mg/m³ as Cu) applies.