Copper(II) sulfate

Copper (II) sulfate, also known as cupric sulfate or copper sulphate, is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula CuSO₄.

This salt exists as a series of compounds that differ in their degree of hydration. The anhydrous form is a pale green or gray-white powder, whereas the pentahydrate (CuSO₄·5H₂O), the most commonly encountered salt, is bright blue. Copper (II) sulfate exothermically dissolves in water to give the aquo complex [Cu(H₂O)₆]²⁺, which has octahedral molecular geometry and is paramagnetic. Other names for copper(II) sulfate are "blue vitriol" and "bluestone".

Preparation and occurrence

Copper sulfate is produced industrially by treating copper metal with hot concentrated sulfuric acid or its oxides with dilute sulfuric acid. For laboratory use, copper sulfate is usually purchased. Copper sulfate can also be produced by slowly leaching low grade copper ore in air; bacteria may be used to hasten the process.

Commercial copper sulfate is usually about 98% pure copper sulfate, and may contain traces of water. Anhydrous Copper sulfate is 39.81 percent copper and 60.19 percent sulfate by mass, and in its blue, hydrous form, it is 25.47% copper, 38.47% sulfate (12.82% sulfur) and 36.06% water by mass. Four types of crystal size are provided based on its usage: large crystals (10-40mm), small crystals (2-10 mm), snow crystals (less than 2 mm), and windswept powder (less than 0.15 mm).

Cuso International

Cuso International, is a non-profit development organization, whose goal is to work alongside local people in other countries, to improve the lives of people living with poverty and inequality. Each year the organization mobilizes hundreds of volunteer professionals who work with local partners to create positive, lasting change. Established in 1961, Cuso International is a registered charity in Canada and the United States. There have been numerous changes in Cuso International's mission statement and activities since 1961. Cuso International volunteers come from many professional and personal backgrounds, from many ages, and from across Canada and the United States, as well as from many of the Southern countries in which they work.

Mission

Cuso International works in inclusive partnerships to eradicate poverty through equitable and sustainable development.

History

CUSO was launched in 1961, built on the foundation of early university-based initiatives including Canadian Overseas Volunteers (COV), Canadian Voluntary Commonwealth Service (CVCS) and Le Mouvement Universitaire National pour le Developpement Outre-Mer. Originally known as Canadian University Service Overseas (and in French, SUCO – Service universitaire canadien outre-mer), the organization eventually moved beyond university students, and in 1981 its name changed to "CUSO".

CUSO (disambiguation)

CUSO is an abbreviation with several meanings: