Basic Copper Chloride: Facts, Structure, and Safe Handling

What is Basic Copper Chloride?

Basic Copper Chloride, recognized by its green-blue hue, stands as a common copper compound with the formula Cu₂(OH)₃Cl. You might find this material in powder, solid chunks, granules, crystalline forms, or even as a fine flake. The compound typically appears stable at room temperature, showing off a crystal structure that has long caught the attention of chemists and manufacturers alike. Density tracks at roughly 3.6 grams per cubic centimeter, making it one of the heavier non-metal salts used in industry. Common trade names include Atacamite or Paratacamite, although use often centers on its utility as a raw material for copper extraction, pigment creation, or as a chemical reagent.

Chemical Properties and Structure

The molecular structure of Basic Copper Chloride reflects a unique arrangement, with copper ions held in place by hydroxide and chloride ions. This structure gives rise to its distinctive color and allows for important roles in industrial processes. Cu₂(OH)₃Cl will react with acids, giving off copper salts and water, and shows good stability under neutral conditions. Its formula describes a material that resists solubility in most solvents, particularly water, meaning spills or leaks remain relatively easy to contain in the event of an accident. This product suits environments where moisture control is important but full water solubility proves undesirable.

Products and Specifications

Producers offer Basic Copper Chloride in a variety of forms, each with a specific particle size, color shade, and bulk density. Powdered versions generally serve in laboratory and pigment work, where precise mixing and even reactivity count most. Flaked and granulated forms sometimes feed into metal finishing or agricultural chemistry, giving users flexibility when it comes to measuring doses or mixing slurries. The solid product, packed in tightly sealed drums or bags, resists caking and keeps well over long stretches in dry storage. For those seeking high purity or particular physical characteristics, top suppliers provide certificates of analysis along with every shipment, ensuring traceability and quality with every lot.

HS Code and Regulatory Details

On the customs side, Basic Copper Chloride travels under an HS Code pointing toward inorganic copper compounds, slotting into tariff number 2827399000 in major jurisdictions. This classification influences import duties, documentation, and local compliance checks. Companies responsible for shipping, handling, or storing this chemical sometimes require specific licensing—especially in regions where copper compounds face strict environmental oversight. Marking and documentation remain key for safe logistics and downstream traceability, making HS Code accuracy a real priority for importers and exporters.

Handling: Safety and Environmental Notes

Every chemical comes with safety signals, and Basic Copper Chloride ranks as low to moderate in both environmental risk and direct harm to humans. Inhalation or prolonged skin contact carries some risk, since copper compounds irritate skin, eyes, and airways. Wear gloves, goggles, and dust masks during handling, even in well-ventilated spaces. Accidental releases into water or soil may build up over time, bringing about subtle toxicity for plants and aquatic life. Always collect spills using dry, non-reactive materials and dispose in approved facilities. Reports from agencies like the European Chemicals Agency or US EPA stress the importance of keeping copper runoff below defined regulatory limits. Children and pets should avoid contact entirely.

Role in Industry and Materials Supply

Industrial demand for Basic Copper Chloride rises every year. Feed additives, fungicide blends, pigments for glass and ceramics, and electrolytes in the copper refining sector tap into this raw material’s chemical profile. Large-scale manufacturers invest in reliable raw material streams to keep output steady for everything from printed circuit boards to animal nutrition products. Smaller companies sometimes source only a few kilograms at a time for research or specialty production, prioritizing impurity testing and consistent supply over rock-bottom pricing. Reliable sourcing tracks directly with product safety, so background checks and supplier audits always matter when raw material quality affects end-user health and safety.

Solutions and Practices in Safe Material Use

Improving industry handling practices involves thorough training, well-marked storage, and regular equipment checks to prevent accidental exposure. For those working with Basic Copper Chloride at home or in educational labs, clear labeling, personal protective equipment, and locked cabinets play vital roles in risk reduction. The drive for transparency and trust in the chemical supply chain means sharing Safety Data Sheets and third-party analysis before any product reaches users. Innovations in packaging—like tamper-evident closures and moisture-resistant bags—help keep the chemical safe during shipping and storage, minimizing both workplace risk and waste.