Cupric oxide, also known as copper(II) oxide, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CuO. It is a black solid, one of the two stable oxides of copper, the other being Cu2O or cuprous oxide. As a mineral, it is known as tenorite.
Cupric oxide is insoluble in water but soluble in acids and bases. It is a good conductor of electricity and heat. It is also a strong oxidizing agent.
Cupric oxide has a variety of uses, including:
- As a pigment in paints, ceramics, and glazes
- As a wood preservative
- In the production of other copper compounds, such as copper sulfate and copper carbonate
- As a catalyst in chemical reactions
- In the manufacture of batteries
- As a sunscreen
- In medical applications, such as treating Wilson’s disease
Cupric oxide is a relatively safe substance, but it can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. It can also cause skin irritation.
Here are some additional properties of cupric oxide:
- Melting point: 1326 degrees Celsius
- Boiling point: 2000 degrees Celsius
- Density: 6.315 grams per cubic centimeter
- Refractive index: 2.20
- Electronegativity: 1.9
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