Copper Chloride Dihydrate Supplier in South Africa

What Is Copper Chloride Dihydrate?

Copper chloride dihydrate (CuCl₂·2H₂O) is a blue-green crystalline salt produced by dissolving copper metal or copper oxide in hydrochloric acid. It is one of the most versatile copper salts in industrial chemistry, functioning as a catalyst, an oxidant, a wood preservative, and a source of copper ions in electroplating and chemical processing applications.

Electroplating & Surface Treatment

In the electronics industry, copper chloride is used in printed circuit board (PCB) etching baths to remove unwanted copper from circuit patterns. It also serves as a source of copper ions in various electroplating processes and in cupric chloride regeneration systems used to recycle spent etchant, reducing waste and chemical consumption in PCB manufacturing.

Catalysis & Chemical Synthesis

Copper chloride dihydrate is an important catalyst in the Wacker process for the oxidation of ethylene to acetaldehyde. It catalyses chlorination reactions and serves as a Lewis acid catalyst in various organic transformations. In chemical synthesis it is used to prepare organocopper reagents and as a co-catalyst in oxidative coupling reactions of terminal alkynes.

Wood Treatment & Agricultural Uses

Copper chloride is used as a wood preservative in formulations designed to protect timber against fungal decay and insect attack. In agriculture it contributes to copper-based fungicide preparations. It is also used in the dyeing of textiles as a mordant and in the production of other copper chemicals including copper oxide and copper sulfate.