What is the Difference Between Copper Oxychloride and Copper Sulphate?

Copper oxychloride and copper sulfate are both copper-containing compounds used primarily as fungicides and bactericides. However, they have some differences in their chemical composition, properties, and applications.

1. Chemical Formula: Copper oxychloride has the chemical formula Cu2(OH)3Cl, while copper sulfate has the chemical formula CuSO4.
2. Organic vs. Inorganic: Copper oxychloride is an organic compound, whereas copper sulfate is an inorganic compound.
3. Particle Size and Release: Copper oxychloride particles are slightly larger than those of copper hydroxide, resulting in a slower and more prolonged release of copper ions. Copper sulfate is completely soluble in water, making it more prone to rain wash-off and having a greater potential for phytotoxicity than fixed coppers like copper oxychloride.
4. Compatibility: Copper oxychloride is compatible with lime, while copper sulfate is compatible with both oil and lime.
5. Types of Fixed Coppers: Copper oxychloride is one of the types of fixed coppers, which are less soluble than pure copper sulfate. Other types of fixed coppers include copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride sulfate (COCS), basic copper sulfate (also known as tribasic copper sulfate), and mixtures of two or more copper types.

In summary, copper oxychloride and copper sulfate are both copper-containing compounds used as fungicides and bactericides, but they differ in their chemical composition, particle size, release properties, and compatibility with other substances. Copper oxychloride is an organic compound with larger particles and a slower release of copper ions, while copper sulfate is an inorganic compound with smaller particles and a more rapid release of copper ions.

Comparative Table: Copper Oxychloride vs Copper Sulphate

Copper oxychloride and copper sulfate are two different copper-based compounds with distinct properties and uses. Here is a table highlighting the differences between them:

Copper oxychloride is an organic compound with the chemical formula Cu2(OH)3Cl, while copper sulfate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CuSO4. Copper oxychloride is primarily used as a fungicide and bactericide, whereas copper sulfate is used as a fungicide and herbicide. Copper oxychloride appears as a green or blue powder, while copper sulfate exists as a white crystalline powder in its anhydrous form and as a bright blue powder in its hydrated forms.