Copper sulfate pentahydrate

Copper sulfate pentahydrate (CAS 7758-99-8), also sold as cupric sulfate pentahydrate, is an inorganic copper salt supplied as characteristic blue crystals. It functions as a biocide, algaecide, fungicide, and catalyst precursor across a broad range of industrial and agricultural processes. In agriculture, it is the active ingredient in Bordeaux mixture, applied to control fungal diseases in vineyards, orchards, and field crops. Water treatment facilities use it to control algae blooms in reservoirs, irrigation channels, and municipal water supplies.

In mining, it acts as a selective flotation activator for sulfide ores, particularly in the separation of zinc and lead minerals. Textile and leather processors use it as a mordant to fix dyes and as a component in electroplating and surface finishing baths. Copper sulfate pentahydrate is supplied as blue crystalline granules or fine powder, with particle size grades available to suit agricultural, industrial, and laboratory applications. Standard commercial grades include technical, feed-grade, and agricultural-grade.

Purity levels typically range from 98% to 99%+. Pharma-grade material meeting USP and BP specifications is available for use in pharmaceutical manufacturing and analytical applications. This ensures high quality for sensitive industrial processes. The material is highly soluble in water and methanol, making it easy to integrate into liquid formulations. Its versatility as a chemical intermediate makes it essential for the production of other copper-based compounds and catalysts.