Copper(II) chloride

Synonyms

Cupric chloride anhydrous; Copper bichloride; Copper chloride (CuCl2); Copper chloride (VAN); Copper dichloride; Copper(2+) chloride; Copper(2+)chloride; Cupric chloride in plastic container; Cupric dichloride; [ChemIDplus] UN2802

Category

Metals, Inorganic Compounds

Description

Yellow to brown deliquescent solid; Forms dihydrate in moist air; Soluble in water; [Merck Index] Yellow-brown powder; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used as a catalyst, deodorizing and desulfurizing agent (petroleum industry), mordant (textiles industry), oxidizing agent (aniline dyestuffs); Also used in inks, metallurgy (refining copper, silver, and gold), tinting baths (iron and tin), electrotyping baths (plating copper or aluminum), photography (fixer), pyrotechnics, pigments for glass and ceramics, feed additives, wood preservatives, disinfectants, fungicides, and water purification; [HSDB]

Comments

A skin and mucous membrane irritant; [Merck Index] A skin and eye irritant; Solid can cause severe injury to surface of eyes; [CAMEO] Contact with solid causes eye injury and skin irritation; [CHRIS] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes; [MSDSonline] See "Copper."

Biomedical References

1 mg/m3, as Cu

1 mg/m3, as Cu

0.01 mg/m3, respirable fraction (Cu, inorganic cmpnds)

100 mg/m3, as Cu

MetHgb is secondary toxic effect

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Skin burns

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Aluminum Producing
• Applying Wood Preservatives
• Electroplating
• Farming (Feed Additives)
• Glass Manufacturing
• Petroleum Production and Refining
• Photographic Processing
• Smelting Copper or Lead
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Applying metallic patinas
• Ceramics making
• Glassblowing