Substance profile
Copper oxide (Cu2O)
Copper oxide (Cu2O) is red-brown cubic crystals.
01 · Identification
What Copper oxide (Cu2O) is
Copper oxide (Cu2O) is red-brown cubic crystals. It boils at 1800 °C, melts at 1235 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
Other names for Copper oxide (Cu2O)
- dicopper oxide
- copper (I) oxide
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P304, P305, P310, P312, P330, P338, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Copper oxide (Cu2O) properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 1800 °C (3272 °F) | HSDB | |
| Melting point | 1235 °C (2255 °F) | HSDB | |
| 1232 °C (2249.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 6 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| Solubility | PRACTICALLY INSOLUBLE IN ORGANIC SOLVENTS; SOL IN DILUTE MINERAL ACIDS, SOLN OF AMMONIA & ITS SALTS. | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | Negligible | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | CORRODES ALUMINUM | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Source notes
Further notes on Copper oxide (Cu2O)
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Solubility
Crimson, scarlet, vermilion, deep or brownish-red, secondary mineral; adamantine or dull luster; brownish red streak; sol in nitric and concentrated hydrochloric acids; specific gravity: 5.85-6.15; Mohs hardness: 3.5-4 /Cuprite/
Source: HSDB
Soluble in ammonium hydroxide; in hydrochloric acid forming copper(I) chloride which dissolves in excess hydrochloric acid; with dil sulfuric acid or dil nitric acid the cupric salt is formed and half copper is pptd as the metal.
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Copper oxide (Cu2O)
Storage conditions
HANDLE WITHOUT SPILLAGE & STORE IN DRY, COOL PLACE.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Heated interaction to produce metallic copper is violent.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Copper oxide (Cu2O) in the storage compatibility matrix →