What is Copper(II) nitrate?
[[File:Copper(II)-nitrate-trihydrate-sample.jpg|thumb|Copper(II) nitrate]] '''Copper(II) nitrate''', also known as '''cupric nitrate''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is Cu(NO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>. It contains [[copper]] in its +2 [[oxidation state]]. It also contains [[nitrate]] [[ion]]s. ==Properties== Copper(II) nitrate is a blue solid. It is an [[oxidizing agent]]. It is blue whether it contains water (hydrated) or not (anhydrous). It makes [[nitrogen dioxide]] when it is heated. ==Preparation== It is made by reacting copper with [[nitrogen tetroxide]]. It can also be made by reacting copper with [[nitric acid]] or [[silver nitrate]]. ==Uses== It can be used to make nitric acid by heating it. Then the brown gas made is dissolved in water to make nitric acid. It can be used to add nitrate ions to [[organic chemistry|organic]] chemicals. ==Safety== Copper ions are toxic, like many other metals. Nitrates are oxidizing agents and can make things burn. ==Related pages== *[[Copper(I) chloride]] *[[Copper sulfate]] [[Category:Copper compounds]] [[Category:Nitrogen compounds]]