cupric sulfate

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cupric sulfate

chemical compound

Also known as: blue vitriol

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June 25, 2026

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blue vitriol — blue vitriol Blue vitriol.

Cupric sulfate, also known as blue vitriol, is a chemical compound of copper with the formula CuSO₄. It is typically found as bright blue crystals containing five water molecules (CuSO₄·5H₂O). The anhydrous form is white.12

Cupric sulfate is prepared by treating copper oxides with sulfuric acid. It is soluble in water but not in alcohol. The anhydrous salt is hygroscopic and can be used as a drying agent.2

This compound has various uses, including as an algicide and fungicide, particularly in agriculture. It is also used in the preparation of pigments, as an electrolyte in batteries and electroplating baths, and in medicine as a topical fungicide and astringent.12

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copper
Principal compounds
Cupric sulfate is a salt formed by treating cupric oxide with sulfuric acid. It forms as large, bright blue crystals containing five molecules of water (CuSO₄∙5H₂O) and is known in commerce as blue vitriol. The anhydrous salt is produced by heating the hydrate to 150…
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Cupric sulfate is a salt formed by treating cupric oxide with sulfuric acid. It forms as large, bright blue crystals containing five molecules of water (CuSO₄∙5H₂O) and is known in commerce as blue vitriol. The anhydrous salt is produced by heating the hydrate to 150…
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electroplating
…a typical plating tank containing copper sulfate (CuSO₄) solution. A dynamo supplies electric current, which is controlled by a rheostat. When the switch is closed, the cathode bar, which holds the work to be plated, is charged negatively. Some of the electrons from the cathode bar transfer to the positively…
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…a typical plating tank containing copper sulfate (CuSO₄) solution. A dynamo supplies electric current, which is controlled by a rheostat. When the switch is closed, the cathode bar, which holds the work to be plated, is charged negatively. Some of the electrons from the cathode bar transfer to the positively…
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pharmaceutical industry
Medicines of ancient civilizations
…verdigris (basic cupric acetate) and cupric sulfate were prescribed as medicinal agents. While attempts were made to use many of the mineral preparations as drugs, most proved to be too toxic to be used in this manner.
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…verdigris (basic cupric acetate) and cupric sulfate were prescribed as medicinal agents. While attempts were made to use many of the mineral preparations as drugs, most proved to be too toxic to be used in this manner.
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copper processing
Sulfates
Cupric sulfate, CuSO₄, commonly known as blue vitriol, is the most important salt of copper. It usually crystallizes as CuSO₄ · 5H₂O and has a bright blue colour. It is prepared by the treatment of copper oxides with sulfuric acid. While readily soluble in water,…
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Cupric sulfate, CuSO₄, commonly known as blue vitriol, is the most important salt of copper. It usually crystallizes as CuSO₄ · 5H₂O and has a bright blue colour. It is prepared by the treatment of copper oxides with sulfuric acid. While readily soluble in water,…
Read More