Copper Glycine: Description, Properties, and Practical Considerations

What is Copper Glycine?

Copper glycine steps into the spotlight as a coordination compound made by blending copper ions with the amino acid glycine. Blue or blue-green in color, this solid reveals its true nature most often as a crystal, powder, or in some specialized cases, as flakes or pearls. Its formula, C4H8CuN2O4, quickly tells you it consists of copper at the heart, bonded with organic ligands from glycine. That relationship changes the chemical’s physical and chemical attributes, setting it apart from simple copper salts or plain glycine. Copper glycine solutions start as bright blue, clear, and dissolve readily in water, an indicator that the copper sits in a structurally stable complex, unlike what you get by simply mixing copper sulfate into glycine. The HS Code most related to copper glycine usually falls into 2922.50, covering amino acid derivatives, which is important for customs and international shipping.

Physical and Chemical Properties

In the lab or factory, copper glycine usually appears as a blue to blue-green crystalline solid. It can be ground into a fine powder for easier handling, and in bulk, sometimes comes as larger granules or even pressed into pearl-like beads for controlled dispensing. Density sits, on average, between 1.9 and 2.1 g/cm³, which matters for storage and shipment calculations. The melting point hovers around 220°C, making it heat-stable for most standard usage. Solubility in water remains high, so whether in solution or solid, copper glycine mixes cleanly into most aqueous systems. In pure liquid form, this compound does not exist under normal conditions; rather, solutions are prepared by dissolving the solid in water for industrial or lab use. Chemically, glycine’s amino and carboxyl groups bond to the copper ion, shielding it from rapid breakdown or oxidation, so the molecule holds up better in solution compared to pure copper salts. This coordination delivers a reliable source of copper ions in a controlled, less reactive form.

Structure and Molecular Insights

Crystallographers describe copper glycine as a bidentate complex, with two glycine molecules each attaching to the central copper ion at two points. That creates a nearly square-planar geometry wrapped around the metal. Each molecule contains four carbon atoms, eight hydrogens, two nitrogens, four oxygens, and – crucially – one copper atom. That makes the molecular weight about 213.66 g/mol, a figure worth noting for mixing, dosing, or safety assessments. In the form of crystals, you see an almost glassy, slightly brittle material. Under the microscope, copper glycine's crystals flash with blue-green hues, betraying a purity that suits research, feed additives, and even nutritional supplements for animals in trace amounts. The structure stabilizes copper, which is naturally eager to react and oxidize, so the glycine keeps it bioavailable but not so reactive that it poses a major hazard.

Specifications: Raw Materials and Further Details

Production draws raw materials from pharmaceutical-grade copper salts—most often copper(II) sulfate—and pure glycine sourced from synthetic or even plant-based processes. Manufacturers usually aim for 99% minimum assay purity, with loss on drying below 2%. Chloride and sulfate ions, if present, remain at trace levels, almost always less than 0.05%. Powdered forms must pass through fine sieves, making them easy to blend or dissolve. Insoluble matter remains under 0.1% for quality grades. Solution concentrations range widely; a liter of 10% copper glycine makes a reliable lab stock or animal feed supplement. Each physical form—crystal, powder, pearl—serves a slightly different end use. Crystals suit long-term storage, while powders dissolve fast and pearls are easy to dispense or meter. As for appearance, any off-color or clumping signals contamination, so genuine material keeps a bright, even tone.

Safety, Hazardous Properties, and Handling

Copper glycine carries moderate safety risks, mostly tied to its copper content. Skin or eye contact in concentrated form may trigger mild irritation. Swallowing large doses leads to symptoms linked to copper toxicity: nausea, headache, and—in rare cases—liver damage or kidney strain. Inhalation risks remain low due to low vapor pressure, but dust from powders can irritate airways. Spillage of powders or solutions onto surfaces must be cleaned with water and diluted soap. In my experience, working with copper glycine needs basic laboratory safety: gloves, goggles, and—above all—avoiding eating or drinking nearby. Responsible disposal matters, since copper accumulates in soil or water, which means you can harm aquatic wildlife or disrupt sewage bacteria if tossing large amounts down the drain. Safety Data Sheets classify copper glycine as harmful but not acutely toxic or flammable, and it's not considered a highly hazardous material, though one should respect regulations on copper and amino acid derivatives all the same.

Chemical Uses and Value: Why Copper Glycine Remains Important

Copper glycine stands out mainly for its stability and controlled copper delivery properties. Most users, whether in animal nutrition, chemical analysis, or specialty manufacturing, value it for providing copper in a chelated—complexed—form. That increases absorption in animal systems without the risks from pure copper salts. In my work with feed products, copper glycine mixes cleanly, adds trace copper where needed for health and growth, and rarely causes side effects when used as directed. Chemists like it for its predictable reactivity and solution stability in various pH conditions. In analytical labs, copper glycine acts as a reference or calibration material because its copper content stays fixed, not drifting with pH, light, or air exposure. Industrial chemists prize it because it brings copper into reactions gently, not causing rapid side effects or waste. Even in fine chemicals and research, copper glycine has a steady place due to traceability, safety, and manageable risk profile. Raw materials remain stable and scalable, making the compound a reliable choice across many fields.

Solutions and Responsible Sourcing

Quality matters as much as chemistry for copper glycine. Best practice calls for sourcing verified, traceable raw materials to avoid unwanted contaminants like excess heavy metals or organic residues. Producers must test every batch, not only for copper content but for purity, particle size, and absence of unwanted ions. In shipping and storage, dedicated moisture-proof containers extend shelf life, especially in humid climates. For those using copper glycine in animal feeds or supplements, regulatory approvals remain critical. Many countries want thorough labeling and strict limits on copper content per liter or per kilogram of feed. Solutions to emerging issues—such as environmental copper release—include recycling waste solutions and moving to micro-dosing systems that sharply cut down loss. From experience, clear labeling and safety data help prevent accidental overuse or mishandling. Collaborating with reputable suppliers, asking for detailed certifications, and investing in staff training on chemical handling represent the most reliable ways to reduce risk, cut waste, and ensure copper glycine delivers value ethically and safely across supply chains.