University Chemistry ›› 2024, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (12): 310-316.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202404078

• Chemistry Laboratory • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Green Production of Potassium Bis (oxalato) cuprate (II) and Control on Morphology

Chaojun Wu, Mingcai Yin, Jiaheng Zhang   

  1. College of Chemistry (Pingyuan Laboratory), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
  • Received:2024-04-15 Accepted:2024-07-04 Published:2024-12-17
  • Contact: Mingcai Yin E-mail:mcyin@zzu.edu.cn

Abstract: Preparation of potassium bis(oxalato) cuprate(II) is a classical inorganic chemistry experiment that helps students refine essential skills such as weighing, water-bath heating, evaporation-crystallization, and vacuum filtration. However, in the traditional experimental scheme, copper oxide obtained from the pyrolysis of copper hydroxide is used as raw material, which leads to waste of resources, environmental pollution and challenges in controlling the product morphology. This study introduces improvements based on green chemistry. Firstly, previously recovered copper hydroxide was innovatively used as the raw material, enhancing resource utilization. Secondly, simple adjustments to the reaction liquid volume and cooling conditions were employed to conveniently control morphology. Simultaneously, microscope was also introduced to observe the product morphology, enhancing the experiment’s engagement and guiding students in exploring factors affecting morphology. The improved experimental procedure not only boosts resource efficiency and reduces pollution, but also promotes the concept of green synthesis and cultivates students’ scientific research literacy.

Key words: Copper hydroxide, Potassium bis(oxalato) cuprate(II), Green synthesis, Morphology control