The name of the ionic compound with the formula CuSO4 is Copper(II) sulfate.
Copper(II) sulfate is a well-known inorganic compound recognized for its distinctive blue color, especially in its hydrated forms. Its chemical formula, CuSO4, represents a combination of a metal cation (copper) and a polyatomic anion (sulfate).
Understanding the Name: Copper(II) Sulfate
The systematic naming of ionic compounds, particularly those involving transition metals like copper, follows specific rules to indicate the charge (or oxidation state) of the metal.
1. The Cation: Copper (Cu)
- Transition Metal: Copper (Cu) is a transition metal, meaning it can form ions with different charges (oxidation states). Common oxidation states for copper are +1 and +2.
- Roman Numeral (II): In CuSO4, the copper ion has a charge of +2. This is indicated by the Roman numeral "(II)" in the name, signifying Copper(II) as opposed to Copper(I) (which would be Cu+). This distinction is crucial because the compound Cu2SO4 (Copper(I) sulfate) would have different properties.
2. The Anion: Sulfate (SO4)
- Polyatomic Ion: Sulfate (SO4) is a polyatomic ion, meaning it is a group of atoms (one sulfur and four oxygen atoms) that carry an overall charge. In this case, the sulfate ion has a charge of -2 (SO4²⁻).
- Naming Convention: Polyatomic anions typically retain their specific names (e.g., sulfate, nitrate, phosphate).
When Copper(II) with a +2 charge combines with Sulfate with a -2 charge, they balance each other out, resulting in the neutral compound CuSO4.
Key Characteristics of Copper(II) Sulfate
As an inorganic compound, Copper(II) sulfate is widely used in various applications due to its chemical properties. Here's a brief overview:
- Chemical Formula: CuSO4
- Common Name: Copper(II) sulfate
- Appearance: Often seen as bright blue crystals when hydrated (e.g., CuSO4·5H2O, known as blue vitriol), or as a white powder in its anhydrous form.
- Nature: It is an inorganic compound, meaning it does not primarily contain carbon-hydrogen bonds like organic compounds.
Common Applications
Copper(II) sulfate finds extensive use across various industries:
- Agriculture: Used as a fungicide, herbicide, and pesticide. For instance, it's a key component in Bordeaux mixture, which protects crops from fungal diseases.
- Chemistry: Serves as a raw material for producing other copper compounds. It's also used in analytical chemistry, for example, in the Benedict's test for reducing sugars.
- Electroplating: Utilized in copper plating baths.
- Textile Industry: Employed as a mordant in dyeing.
- Water Treatment: Can be used to control algae growth in ponds and lakes.
Summary Table
| Component | Symbol/Formula | Charge/Oxidation State | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper(II) | Cu | +2 | Metal Cation |
| Sulfate | SO4 | -2 | Polyatomic Anion |
| Compound | CuSO4 | Neutral (0) | Ionic Compound |
For more detailed information on Copper(II) sulfate, you can refer to authoritative chemical databases such as the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) at ebi.ac.uk.
