Copper Sulfate

1Identification

Name

Copper Sulfate

IUPAC name

copper sulfate

CAS number

7758-98-7

EC number

231-847-6

Molecular formula

CuO4S

Molecular weight

159.61 g/mol

InChIKey

ARUVKPQLZAKDPS-UHFFFAOYSA-L

SMILES

[O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-].[Cu+2]

PubChem CID

24462

Synonyms

Copper sulfate, Copper(II) sulfate, CUPRIC SULFATE, Cupric sulfate anhydrous, Copper sulphate, Copper(2+) sulfate, Copper monosulfate, Copper(ii) sulfate, anhydrous, Hylinec, Trinagle, Delcup, Cupric sulphate, Roman vitriol, Blue Copper

Recommended uses

• Used to detect and remove trace amounts of water from alcohols and other organic compounds; Also used as a pesticide (fungicide, molluscicide, bacteriostat, herbicide, and algaecide), a micronutrient additive for fertilizer and animal feed, a froth flotation agent, a component of electroplating solutions, a component of chromated copper arsenate, an agent for leather tanning and hide preservation, a titration reagent, an antidote for white phosphorus poisoning, formerly an emetic (discontinued due to toxicity), and a veterinary drug (nutritional factor, astringent antiseptic, and fungicidal agent); [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Electroplating [Category: Plate] Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean] Farming (Pesticides) [Category: Industry] Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry] Fur Dressing and Dyeing [Category: Industry] Metal Extraction and Refining [Category: Industry] Farming (Feed Additives) [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Preparing and mounting animal skins (taxidermy) [Category: Hobbies]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Laboratory chemicals Intermediate Flotation agent Pigment Flocculating agent Soil amendments (fertilizers) Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Catalyst Absorbent Antioxidant Chemical reaction regulator Plating agent Processing aids not otherwise specified Other Flavoring and nutrient
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Flocculating agent Soil amendments (fertilizers) Catalyst Chemical reaction regulator Plating agent Other
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Cosmetics -> Skin conditioning · Plastics -> Polymer Type -> N.a. · Plastics -> Pigments agents · ALGICIDES

Description

• Cupric sulfate appears as a white or off-white solid. Melting point 200 °C with decomposition. Non-combustible.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Copper(II) sulfate is a metal sulfate compound having copper(2+) as the metal ion. It has a role as a sensitiser, an emetic and a fertilizer. It contains a copper(2+).
  ChEBI
• Cupric sulfate is a salt created by treating cupric oxide with sulfuric acid. This forms as large, bright blue crystals containing five molecules of water (CuSO4∙5H2O) and is also known as blue vitriol. The anhydrous salt is created by heating the hydrate to 150 °C (300 °F). Cupric sulfate is used primarily for agricultural purposes, as a pesticide, germicide, feed additive, and soil additive. Some of its secondary uses are as a raw material in the preparation of other copper compounds, as a reagent in analytic chemistry, as an electrolyte for batteries and electroplating baths, and in medical practice as a locally applied fungicide, bactericide, and astringent.
  DrugBank

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07, GHS09

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

5 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

Health hazards

• INGESTION: copper sulfate may induce severe gastroenteric distress (vomiting, gastroenteric pain, and local corrosion and hemorrhages), prostration, anuria, hematuria, anemia, increase in white blood cells, icterus, coma, respiratory difficulties, and circulatory failure. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. See Chemical dangers
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• A strong irritant; [Merck Index] A severe skin and eye irritant; A respiratory tract irritant; Can cause copper poisoning after ingestion; [ICSC] Interferes with embryo development in high-dose animal studies; [REPROTOX] An irritant; [MSDSonline] See Copper sulfate. See Copper.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• INGESTION: induce vomiting and administer gastric lavage; give a saline cathartic, fluid therapy, and transfusions if required; calcium disodium EDTA has been found moderately effective. SKIN AND EYES: wash affected tissues with water. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire (material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance, protective clothing, protective gloves and safety goggles. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Environmental concerns - land spill: Dig a pit, lagoon,or holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Environmental concerns - water spill: Neutralize with agricultural lime (CaO), crushed limestone (CaCO3), or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). Adjust pH to neutral (pH= 7). Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Well closed. Dry. Store only in original container. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• KEEP TIGHTLY CLOSED.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Filtering masks to minimize inhalation of dust. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Personnel protection: ... Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• Anhydrous CUPRIC SULFATE serves as a weak oxidizing agent. Causes hydroxylamine to ignite. Gains water readily. The hydrated salt is vigorously reduced by hydroxylamine [Mellor 8:292(1946-1947)]. Both forms are incompatible with finely powdered metals. Both are incompatible with magnesium, corrode steel and iron, may react with alkalis, phosphates, acetylene gas, hydrazine, or nitromethane, and may react with beta-naphthol, propylene glycol, sulphathiazole and triethanolamine if the pH exceeds 7 (NTP, 1992). Both act as acidic salts, corrode metals and irritate tissues.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Soluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Anhydrous copper sulfate causes hydroxylamine to ignite & the hydrated salt is vigorously reduced.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Solutions of sodium hypobromite are decomposed by powerful catalytic action of cupric ions, even as impurities. /Cupric salts/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The is severely irritating to the gastrointestinal tract. Exposure could cause haemolysis, kidneys and liver impairment.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged inhalation of the aerosol may cause effects on the lungs. The substance may have effects on the liver and kidneys, resulting in impaired functions.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Group III Containers (both combustible and non-combustible) that previously held organic mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, or inorganic pesticides should be triple rinsed, punctured and disposed of in a sanitary landfill. Non-rinsed containers should be encapsulated and buried at a specially designated landfill site. /Organic mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, or inorganic pesticides/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for copper (II) sulfate: activated carbon.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

DOT hazard class

• Copper sulphate, anhydrous, hydrates
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Severe marine pollutant
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Cupric sulfate
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Poison
  CAMEO Chemicals

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Cupric sulfate is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• A tolerance is established in potable water for residues of copper resulting from the use of the algicides or herbicides basic copper carbonate (malachite), copper sulfate, copper monoethanolamine, and copper triethanolamine to control aquatic plants in reservoirs, lakes, ponds, irrigation ditches, and other potential sources of potable water.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Copper and cmpd/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 10 lb or 45.4 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• In accordance with 21 CFR 184.1(b)(1), the ingredient is used in food with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice. The affirmation of this ingredient as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a direct human food ingredient is based upon the following current good manufacturing practice conditions of use: 1) The ingredient is used as a nutrient supplement as defined in 21 CFR 170.3(o)(20) of this chapter and as a processing aid as defined in 21 CFR 170.3(o)(24) of this chapter. 2) The ingredient is used in food at levels not to exceed current good manufacturing practice.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 24462 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.