Definition and Uses:
Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate decomposes before melting. On heating at 63 °C (145 °F), it loses two water molecules, followed by two more at 109 °C (228 °F) and the last water molecule at 200 °C (392 °F). [14] [15] Dehydration continues with the disintegration of tetraaqua (2+), the two opposing aqua groups are lost to give a diacopare (2+) fragment. The second dehydration stage occurs when the last two aqua groups are lost. Complete dehydration occurs when the unbound water molecule is lost. At 650 °C (1,202 °F), copper(II) sulfate decomposes into copper(II) oxide (CuO) and sulfur trioxide (SO 3 ).
Copper sulfate is a blue and odorless substance, also known as bluestone. Copper sulfate is produced industrially by treating copper metal with hot concentrated sulfuric acid or dilute sulfuric acid and its oxides. Copper sulfate is usually purchased for laboratory use. Copper sulfate can also be produced by slowly leaching low-grade copper ore through air; bacteria can be used to speed the process.