Copper(I) hydroxide

Copper(I) hydroxide
Names
Other names
Cuprous hydroxide; Copper monohydroxide
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
  • InChI=1S/Cu.H2O/h;1H2/q+1;/p-1
    Key: ZMHWUUMELDFBCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-M
  • [OH-].[Cu+]
Properties
CuOH
Molar mass 80.55 g/mol
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Copper(I) hydroxide is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula of CuOH. Little evidence exists for its existence. A similar situation applies to the monohydroxides of gold(I) and silver(I). Solid CuOH has been claimed however as an unstable yellow-red solid. The topic has been the subject of theoretical analysis. Copper(I) hydroxide would also be expected to easily oxidise to copper(II) hydroxide:

4CuOH + 2 H2O + O2 → 4Cu(OH)2

It would also be expected to rapidly dehydrate:

2CuOH → Cu2O + H2O

Solid CuOH would be of interest as a possible intermediate in the formation of copper(I) oxide (Cu2O), which has diverse applications, e.g. applications in solar cells.