Potassium hydroxide and copper sulfate are not esoteric substances found only in chem labs. Potassium hydroxide is a common household chemical, and copper sulfate is found in the chemical section of most garden shops and in children's chemistry sets. While neither is used as a dietary supplement, both are indispensable in industry and manufacturing.
Copper Sulfate Chemistry
A molecule of copper sulfate has one copper, one sulfur and four oxygen atoms. The molecular weight is 159.6. Its white or pale green crystals are hygroscopic, meaning they attract water. When loosely linked to five water molecules, it is called copper sulfate pentahydrate. Copper sulfate pentahydrate has a blue color, which is why it is also called blue vitriol and bluestone.
Copper Sulfate Uses
Copper sulfate is a common lab reagent. It is used industrially to produce other metal sulfates such as iron sulfate, zinc sulfate, tin sulfate and others. The Cornell University Extension Toxicology Network reports that it is an effective fungicide to prevent mildew, leaf spots, blights and apple scab. Crystal enthusiasts use copper sulfate pentahydrate to grow crystals.
Potassium Hydroxide Chemistry
With a molecular weight of 56.11, a molecule of potassium hydroxide has one potassium, one hydrogen and one oxygen atom. A strong, inorganic base with a high pH, it is very corrosive and cause severe burns if used without proper protection. Like copper sulfate, it is also hygroscopic, which is why potassium hydroxide pellets have a greasy feel to them.
Potassium Hydroxide Uses
You may already be familiar with potassium hydroxide in the form of white pellets found in drain cleaners. To some extent, it is interchangable with sodium hydroxide. Both are used to make soap and batteries. Both are indispensible lab reagents used to adjust the pH of solutions.
References
- Cornell University Extension Toxicology Network; Copper Sulfate; May 1994
- Copper.org: Uses of Copper Compounds: Copper Sulphate's Role in Agriculture
- InChem; Copper Sulfate (Anhydrous); October 2001
- Strategic Services Division; MSDS Potassium Hydroxide; November 1997
- Radio Shack: Silver Oxide Batteries
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Potassium Hydroxide
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