Copper Sulfate Solution, 1.00 M, 500 mL

• What it is. This copper sulfate solution contains 1.00 mol of copper(II) sulfate per liter of water and is supplied ready to use in a 500 mL size. It is a clear, deep blue solution prepared to a defined molar concentration for stoichiometry, electrochemistry, and reagent preparation.
• What 1.00 M means. One mole of copper(II) sulfate per liter corresponds to 159.60 g of anhydrous copper sulfate, or 249.69 g of the pentahydrate, in each liter of solution (calculated). Because the concentration is stated in moles rather than percent, it is unaffected by which hydrate was used to make it, so calculations based on copper content are straightforward.
• Why a molar solution. Molar concentration makes stoichiometric work simple: every milliliter contains 1.00 millimole of copper(II) ions. That suits quantitative teaching experiments, preparing exact dilutions such as 0.1 M or 0.5 M, and electrochemistry where the Nernst equation relates cell potential to ion concentration.
• Electrochemistry. A 1 M copper sulfate solution is the standard electrolyte for the copper half-cell in zinc/copper (Daniell-type) galvanic cells, where a copper electrode in copper sulfate and a zinc electrode in zinc sulfate generate a measurable voltage. It also serves for copper electrodeposition and electroplating experiments.
• Displacement and redox reactions. Copper(II) ions are reduced to copper metal by more active metals. Iron, zinc, or magnesium placed in the solution become coated with copper while the blue color fades, a classic single-displacement reaction used to rank metal reactivity.
• Reacting with bases and ammonia. Adding a strong base precipitates pale blue copper(II) hydroxide, and excess ammonia dissolves that precipitate to form the deep blue tetraamminecopper(II) complex. With a defined 1.00 M concentration, these reactions can be run quantitatively in teaching and analytical labs.
• Dilution made easy. Starting from a 1.00 M stock, dilutions follow C1V1 = C2V2: 100 mL diluted to 1 L gives 0.100 M. Using Lab Pro's deionized water for dilution keeps trace ions out of the working solution.
• Handling and environmental care. Copper sulfate is harmful if swallowed, irritates skin and eyes, and is highly toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H410). Collect all copper-containing solutions and rinses for hazardous waste disposal rather than pouring them down the drain.

Technical Specifications

Applications / Common Uses

• Galvanic cells: Forms the copper half-cell in zinc/copper cell experiments.
• Stoichiometry: Supplies exactly 1.00 mmol copper(II) per mL for quantitative work.
• Standard dilutions: Prepares 0.1 M, 0.5 M, and other working solutions accurately.
• Electrodeposition: Supports copper plating and electrolysis experiments.
• Displacement reactions: Demonstrates the metal reactivity series with iron, zinc, or magnesium.

Storage, Handling & Shipping

Caution: Copper sulfate is harmful if swallowed, irritates skin and eyes, and is highly toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H410). Wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves and never discharge copper solutions to drains.

Store the solution tightly closed at room temperature, away from strong bases, reducing agents, and reactive metal powders that displace copper. Evaporation raises the concentration, so keep the container closed between uses to preserve the stated molarity.

• Incompatible materials: Strong bases, reducing agents, and finely divided metals (zinc, iron, aluminum, magnesium).
• Exposure limit (copper dusts and mists): OSHA PEL 1 mg/m³ as Cu (TWA).
• Spill response: Absorb with inert material and collect for hazardous waste disposal. Prevent entry to drains and waterways.
• First aid: Eyes or skin: rinse with water for several minutes. Ingestion: rinse mouth and seek medical attention.
• GHS signal word: Warning (typical for copper sulfate solutions: harmful if swallowed; causes skin and eye irritation; highly toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects).

Related Categories & Services

• Shop Inorganic Chemicals for related products in this category.
• Explore High Purity Inorganics and ACS Grade Laboratory Chemicals.
• Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Program: Lab Pro can stock, track, and replenish this item on site so it never runs out. Contact info@labproinc.com or 888-452-2776 to set up a VMI assessment.

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