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'Copper(II) carbonate'
Copper(II) carbonate
Systematic name	Copper(II) carbonate
Other names	copper carbonate, cupric carbonate, basic copper carbonate
Molecular formula	CuCO3
Molar mass	123.56 g/mol
CAS number	12069-69-1
Density	3.9 g/cm3
Solubility (water)	Insoluble in water
Melting point	200°C
Boiling point	None Applicable

'Copper(II) carbonate' (often called 'copper carbonate' or 'cupric carbonate') is a blue-green compound (chemical formula CuCO₃) forming most of the patina one sees on weathered brass, bronze, and copper. The colour can vary from bright blue to green, because there may be a mixture of both copper carbonate and basic copper carbonate in various stages of hydration. It was formerly much used as a pigment, and is still in use for artist's colours.
It has also been used in some types of make-up, like lipstick, although it can also be poisonous to humans. It also has been used for many years as an effective algaecide in farm ponds and in aquaculture operations.
"Copper in moist air slowly acquires a dull green coating. The green material is a 1:1 mole mixture of Cu(OH)₂ and CuCO₃:^[1]"
2Cu(s) + H₂O(g) + CO₂ → Cu(OH)₂ + CuCO₃(s)
Copper carbonate decomposes at high temperatures, giving off carbon dioxide and leaving copper(II) oxide.
CuCO₃(s) → CuO(s) + CO₂(g)
'Basic copper(II) carbonate' occurs naturally as malachite (CuCO₃.Cu(OH)₂) and azurite (Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂).

Contents

Precautions

References

External links

Precautions

Copper carbonate is an eye irritant. It may be harmful when inhaled or swallowed. Wear safety glasses when handling copper carbonate.
If inhaled or swallowed, drink one-half to one cup of milk or water.
Do not induce vomiting
Consult a doctor immediately.

References

'Footnotes'
1. Masterson, W. L., & Hurley, C. N. (2004). ''Chemistry: Principals and Reactions, 5th Ed''. Thomson Learning, Inc. (p 498)."

External links

★ National Pollutant Inventory - Copper and compounds fact sheet

★ Safety Data