Making copper carbonate in water typically involves a chemical reaction between a soluble copper salt and a soluble carbonate salt in an aqueous solution. A common method, as described in a reference detailing a preparation process, uses copper sulfate and sodium carbonate solutions.
Chemical Reaction Overview
The fundamental reaction involves combining copper ions (Cu²⁺) from a copper salt (like copper sulfate, CuSO₄) with carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻) from a carbonate salt (like sodium carbonate, Na₂CO₃) in water. Copper carbonate (CuCO₃) is largely insoluble in water and precipitates out as a solid.
The simplified chemical equation for this reaction is:
CuSO₄(aq) + Na₂CO₃(aq) → CuCO₃(s) + Na₂SO₄(aq)
Here:
- CuSO₄(aq) is copper sulfate dissolved in water (aqueous solution).
- Na₂CO₃(aq) is sodium carbonate dissolved in water (aqueous solution).
- CuCO₃(s) is solid copper carbonate (the product you want to make).
- Na₂SO₄(aq) is sodium sulfate dissolved in water (a byproduct).
A Specific Preparation Method
Based on a reference detailing a preparation method, here is a specific approach to making copper carbonate in water using copper sulfate and sodium carbonate:
- Prepare Copper Sulfate Solution: Create an aqueous solution of copper sulfate. The reference specifies preparing this solution to a concentration of 8 ± 0.2 Baumé degrees. This solution is then added into a reactor vessel.
- Prepare Sodium Carbonate Solution: Separately, prepare an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate. The reference specifies preparing this solution to a concentration of 9.5 ± 0.2 Baumé degrees.
- Initiate Reaction: Add the aqueous solution of sodium carbonate into the reactor containing the copper sulfate solution.
- Stirring Reaction: Begin and maintain stirring of the mixture in the reactor. Stirring helps ensure the reactants are well mixed, promoting the reaction and efficient precipitation of copper carbonate.
The reference mentions "ending the..." which typically refers to subsequent steps like separating the solid copper carbonate from the liquid byproduct (sodium sulfate solution) through filtration, washing, and drying, but these detailed steps are not fully described in the provided snippet.
Key Components and Conditions (Based on Reference)
| Component | Form | Specific Concentration | Equipment | Process Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Sulfate | Aqueous Solution | 8 ± 0.2 Baumé degrees | Reactor Vessel | Preparation, Add |
| Sodium Carbonate | Aqueous Solution | 9.5 ± 0.2 Baumé degrees | Reactor Vessel | Preparation, Add |
| Water | Solvent | - | Reactor Vessel | Mixing, Reaction |
| Mixture of Solutions | Aqueous Mixture | - | Reactor Vessel | Stirring Reaction |
Note: Baumé degrees are a scale used to measure the density of liquids, indicating concentration.
This method provides a controlled way to produce copper carbonate precipitate through a reaction between specific concentrations of copper sulfate and sodium carbonate solutions under stirring.
