What is Copper(I) oxide?
[[File:CopperIoxide.jpg|thumb|Copper(I) oxide]] '''Copper(I) oxide''', also known as '''cuprous oxide''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is Cu<sub>2</sub>O. It contains [[copper]] in its +1 [[oxidation state]]. It also contains [[oxide]] [[ion]]s. ==Properties== Copper(I) oxide is a red solid. It can also be yellow, but not commonly. It does not dissolve in water. It turns into [[copper(II) oxide]] when in air. It dissolves in [[ammonia]] to make a colorless complex. This is [[oxidation|oxidized]] to a blue complex of copper(II). It dissolves in concentrated hydrochloric acid. It also dissolves in concentrated [[sulfuric acid]] to make [[copper(II) sulfate]] and [[nitric acid]] to make [[copper(II) nitrate]]. ==Occurrence== Copper(I) oxide is found in the ground. It is a copper [[ore]]. ==Preparation== Copper(I) oxide is made by heating copper in air. Some copper(II) oxide is also made. It can also be made by reducing [[copper(II) oxide]] or other copper(II) compounds. It is the result of a test for sugars. Green copper(II) chloride is [[reduction (chemistry)|reduced]] to red copper(I) oxide when a sugar is present. ==Uses== Copper(I) oxide is used as a [[semiconductor]]. It is also used as a [[pigment]] and [[fungicide]]. It can be used to stop things from growing on ships. ==Related pages== * [[Copper(II) chloride]] * [[Copper(I) chloride]] [[Category:Copper compounds]] [[Category:Oxides]]