What is Copper(II) hydroxide?
[[File:Copper(II) hydroxide.JPG|thumb|Copper(II) hydroxide]] '''Copper(II) hydroxide''', also known as '''cupric hydroxide''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is Cu(OH)<sub>2</sub>. It contains [[copper]] in its +2 [[oxidation state]]. It also contains [[hydroxide]] [[ion]]s. ==Properties== Copper(II) hydroxide is light blue. It is rubbery when wet. When it is mixed with [[copper(II) carbonate]], it is greenish. It reacts with [[carbon dioxide]] to make copper(II) carbonate when in air. It turns into [[copper(II) oxide]] when wet. When it is dry, though, it only turns into copper(II) oxide when it is heated. It reacts with ammonia to make a very dark blue solution. ==Preparation== Copper(II) hydroxide can be made by reacting [[copper sulfate]] with [[sodium hydroxide]]. [[Potassium hydroxide]] can be used, but it is more expensive. It can also be made by [[electrolysis|electrolyzing]] a solution of [[sodium bicarbonate]] with a copper [[anode]]. ==Uses== Copper(II) hydroxide is used to kill [[mold]] in [[Paint|paints]]. It can be used to color [[ceramic]]s. It can be used as a [[catalyst]]. ==Safety== It is not toxic in small amounts, but it can dissolve in [[stomach]] acid to make soluble copper, which can poison much more easily. ==Related pages== *[[Copper(I) chloride]] *[[Copper(I) oxide]] [[Category:Copper compounds]]