Tetraamminecopper(II) sulfate monohydrate, or more precisely tetraammineaquacopper(II) sulfate, is the salt with the formula [Cu(NH3)4]SO4*H2O, or more precisely [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)]SO4. This dark blue to purple solid is a sulfuric acid salt of the metal complex Cu(NH3)4(H2O) (tetraammineaquacopper(II) cation). It is closely related to Schweizer's reagent, which is used for the production of cellulose fibers in the production of rayon.

Synthesis

This compound can be prepared by adding concentrated aqueous solution of ammonia to a saturated aqueous solution of copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate followed by precipitation of the product with ethanol or isopropanol.

Chemical reaction and solubility

The deep blue crystalline solid tends to hydrolyse and evolve (release) ammonia upon standing in air. It is fairly soluble in water. The brilliant dark blue-violet color of tetraamminecopper(II) sulfate solution is due to presence of Cu(NH3)4 (tetraamminecopper(II) cation). Often, the dark blue-violet color is used as a positive test to verify the presence of Cu(2+) in a solution.

Structure and properties

The solid state structure of tetraamminecopper(II) sulfate monohydrate confirms that the compound is a salt. The complex cation is Cu(NH3)4(H2O) (tetraammineaquacopper(II) cation), which has a square pyramidal molecular geometry. The Cu-N and Cu-O bond length are about 210 and 233 pm, respectively, as determined by X-ray crystallography. The correct concentrations of ammonia and copper(II) sulfate solution needed to synthesize the complex can be determined by colorimetry. The combination of the correct concentrations will produce the highest absorbance read out on the colorimeter and as a result the formula of the complex can be verified.

Corrosion

The characteristic deep blue colour of the tetraammine complex is found in brass and copper alloys where attack from ammonia has occurred, leading to cracking. The problem was first found in ammunition cartridge cases when they were stored near animal waste, which produced trace amounts of ammonia. This type of corrosion is known as season cracking.

Uses

The closely related Schweizer's reagent is used for the production of cuprammonium rayon.