Copper sulfate

Copper sulfate (CAS 7758-98-7), also known as E519, is an inorganic copper salt supplied primarily as a blue crystalline pentahydrate or anhydrous powder.

Where is Copper sulfate used?

• Agriculture: controls fungal diseases on crops and is a core active in Bordeaux mixture
• Acts as a contact multi-site fungicide with no known cases of resistance and no cross-resistance among subgroups M 01 to M 12.
• Water treatment: eliminates algae blooms in reservoirs, drinking water systems, and aquaculture environments
• Mining: froth flotation to selectively activate sulfide minerals, improving ore separation efficiency
• Textiles and leather: mordant that fixes dyes onto fibers and hides
• It serves as a biocide, algaecide, catalyst precursor, and chemical reagent.
• Used in metal plating and surface treatment.
• Corrects copper deficiencies in soil, as copper is an essential trace element for plants.
• In the energy industry, used in battery technology, particularly in the production of copper cathodes for lithium-ion batteries.

Formulation notes

• When dissolved in hard water containing calcium carbonate, an insoluble white film of copper carbonate forms at pH 6 or higher.
• For algae control, 5.44 lbs per acre-foot of water is used to achieve a 2 ppm concentration.
• The white film formed in hard water can be dissolved by dropping the pH below 4 with acid such as sulfuric, hydrochloric, or citric acid.
• Excessive or incorrect use can cause phytotoxicity in plants.

Typical specification

• Technical grade copper sulfate pentahydrate has a guaranteed assay of minimum 98.00%.
• Copper content is minimum 25.00%.
• Lead content is maximum 100 ppm (guaranteed) and typically below 50 ppm.

Regulatory status

• Listed in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation.
• Carries hazard statement H319 (causes serious eye irritation).
• The occupational exposure limit for copper sulfate pentahydrate (as copper, inhalable fraction) is 0.01 mg/m³ (VLA-ED) according to INSST 2022.
• For potable water, the concentration must not exceed 4 ppm (equivalent to 1 ppm copper).

Storage, packaging and handling

• Powder grades contain an anti-caking agent such as magnesium carbonate or calcium carbonate.
• Should be stored well closed, only in the original container, in an area without access to drains or sewers.
• Can lose its crystal water and fade in color due to heat or prolonged storage.
• Can clump and degrade in humid environments.

Frequently asked questions about Copper sulfate

What are the typical impurity limits for copper sulfate?

Arsenic content is maximum 10 ppm (guaranteed) and typically below 1 ppm. Moisture content is 1.5 to 2.0%.

What are the uses of copper sulfate in animal nutrition and pigments?

Copper sulfate is used as an animal nutritional supplement. It is also used in the pigment and paint industry.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.