Laboratory Applications of Granular Copper (CU12HP, CU23HP, CU35HP)
1. Displacement and Redox Reactions
Demonstration of metal displacement:
- For example, reacting copper granules with silver nitrate (AgNO3) to demonstrate the displacement of silver by copper:
Cu (s)+2AgNO3(aq)→Cu(NO3)2(aq)+2Ag (s)
- A classic high school or undergraduate chemistry experiment.
2. Reduction of Organic Compounds
Copper can be used as a reductant in certain organic reactions, such as:
- Reduction of nitro compounds.
- Part of catalytic systems like Cu/Fe or Cu/Zn in hydrogenation reactions.
3. Catalyst or Catalyst Support
Copper as a heterogeneous catalyst:
- Used in some organic synthesis or gas-phase reactions, especially in educational labs to show catalytic behavior.
- For example, copper catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide or the Wurtz-type couplings.
4. Generation of Hydrogen Gas
Used with concentrated acids like sulfuric acid:
Cu+H2SO4→CuSO4+H2↑
- This reaction is slower than with zinc, but is used to compare the reactivity of metals.
5. Electrochemical and Galvanic Cell Demonstrations
The granules are used in:
- Galvanic cells (paired with another metal to produce current).
- Electrolysis experiments, especially when teaching basic electrochemical principles.
6. Copper Surface Chemistry or Cleaning Studies
Labs might use granular copper to study:
- Surface reactions (e.g., oxidation, patination).
- Cleaning and passivation treatments.
- Microbial resistance or antimicrobial testing
7. Material Science & Metallurgical Studies
- Used in labs testing melting, sintering, alloying, or particle size behavior.
- May be mixed with binders for powder metallurgy experiments.
8. Gas Purification
Deoxygenation of gas streams (e.g., removal of oxygen from nitrogen or argon).
- Heated copper granules can be used to scavenge oxygen in inert gas systems.
Packaging:
- High purity granular copper is available in small packs for laboratory use and in large pails for industrial applications.
- All sizes are Suitable for displacement reactions, catalysis, electrochemistry, and redox experiments.