Vetagro Copper Sulphate

Copper sulfate, also known as copper(II) sulfate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CuSO₄. It is commonly found in its pentahydrate form, CuSO₄·5H₂O, which is characterized by its bright blue color. This compound has a wide range of applications in agriculture, industry, and public health.

Composition and Properties

Copper sulfate consists of copper (Cu), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O) atoms. The pentahydrate form contains five molecules of water (H₂O) for each molecule of copper sulfate. Here are some key properties:

Chemical Formula: CuSO₄ (anhydrous), CuSO₄·5H₂O (pentahydrate)

Molar Mass: 159.60 g/mol (anhydrous), 249.685 g/mol (pentahydrate)

Appearance: Gray-white (anhydrous), blue (pentahydrate)

Density: 3.60 g/cm³ (anhydrous), 2.286 g/cm³ (pentahydrate)

Solubility: Highly soluble in water, with varying solubility depending on temperature.

Uses and Applications

Copper sulfate has numerous applications across different fields:

Agriculture: It is widely used as a fungicide to control fungal diseases on crops. When combined with lime and water, it forms a Bordeaux mixture, which is used to protect plants from mildew and other fungal infections.

Public Health: Copper sulfate is used to control algae and bacteria in swimming pools and water reservoirs. It is also used in the flooring mixtures of showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools to prevent fungal infections like athlete's foot.

Industry: Copper sulfate is used in various industrial processes, including electroplating, textile dyeing, and as a mordant in dyeing and printing fabrics.

Education: It is commonly included in basic chemistry sets for educational purposes due to its distinctive blue color and interesting chemical reactions.

Directions for use

Foot Rot:

Pour out 250gm into 5 litres of water (to make a 5% mixture). Shake or stir thoroughly to dissolve the Copper Sulphate crystals and then pour the solution into a foot bath; let the animals walk through the bath daily. Change the mixture every 14 days or as required.

Ringworm and other fungal infections:

Measure one and a half teaspoons (15gm) into a 300ml bottle. Mix thoroughly with water until dissolved.

Apply the mixed solution with a brush to ringworm lesions daily for at least14 days.

Health and Safety

While copper sulfate is beneficial in many applications, it is important to handle it with care due to its potential health risks:

Irritant: Copper sulfate can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Prolonged exposure can lead to more severe health issues.

Toxicity: Ingesting large amounts of copper sulfate can be toxic and may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It is important to follow safety guidelines and use protective equipment when handling this compound.

Conclusion

Copper sulfate is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications in agriculture, industry, and public health. Its distinctive blue color and chemical properties make it a valuable tool in various fields. However, it is important to handle copper sulfate with care and follow safety guidelines to avoid potential health risks.