Copper(ii) chloride

Copper(II) chloride, commonly abbreviated as CuCl2 and also known as cupric chloride or coclor, is an inorganic copper salt with CAS 7447-39-4 and EC number 231-210-2. It carries no E-code designation and is classified under HS code 28273990 within the salts and minerals category.

In water treatment, CuCl2 acts as an antimicrobial agent by releasing copper ions that disrupt microbial cell membranes, inhibiting bacterial and algal growth. In organic synthesis and petrochemical processing, it functions as a Lewis acid catalyst, activating substrates through coordination with electron-rich sites. The textile and leather industries also apply it as a colorant and mordant, fixing dyes to fibres through metal-complex formation.

CuCl2 is supplied in technical and reagent grades as a brownish-yellow powder, with availability subject to REACH registration requirements for EU-based procurement. Packaging typically ranges from laboratory quantities to bulk industrial formats. Buyers should confirm grade specifications against applicable industry standards before use in regulated applications.