Overview

Copper(II) oxide (KOPP-er two OK-side) occurs in nature in the minerals tenorite, melaconite, and paramelaconite. In pure form, it is a black to brownish powder or crystalline material. Like copper(I) oxide, copper(II) oxide is a semiconductor, a material that conducts an electric current, although not nearly as well as conductors such as gold, silver, and aluminum.

How It Is Made

Copper(II) oxide forms naturally in the Earth as a result of the weathering of copper sulfides (Cu₂S and CuS). It is prepared synthetically by heating copper metal in air to about 800°C (1,500°F) or, more commonly, by heating copper(II) carbonate (CuCO₃) or copper(II) nitrate [Cu(NO₃)₂] to red heat.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Cupric oxide; copper monoxide; black copper oxide

Formula:

CuO

Elements:

Copper, oxygen

Compound Type:

Metallic oxide

State:

Solid

Molecular Weight:

79.54 g/mol

Melting Point: