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Copper(II) nitrate facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Copper(II)-nitrate-trihydrate-sample
Copper(II) nitrate, a blue solid

Copper(II) nitrate, also known as cupric nitrate, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Cu(NO3)2. This means it is made of copper and nitrate parts.

What it is Like

Copper(II) nitrate is a bright blue solid. It stays blue whether it has water mixed in with it or not. It is also an "oxidizing agent". This means it can help other chemicals react, often by adding oxygen to them. If you heat copper(II) nitrate, it can release a gas called nitrogen dioxide.

How it is Made

Scientists can make copper(II) nitrate in a few ways. One common way is to mix copper metal with nitric acid. It can also be made by reacting copper with nitrogen tetroxide or silver nitrate.

What it is Used For

Copper(II) nitrate has some interesting uses. It can be heated to help make nitric acid. The gas it releases when heated can be dissolved in water to create nitric acid. It is also used to add nitrate parts to other chemicals, especially in organic chemistry.

Safety Information

It is important to be careful with copper(II) nitrate. Like many other metals, copper can be harmful if swallowed or if it gets on your skin. Also, nitrates are oxidizing agents. This means they can make other things burn more easily or even start fires. Always handle chemicals with care and under adult supervision.

Related Topics

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Nitrato de cobre (II) para niños

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