Basic copper chloride has a story stretching back to the earliest days of organized chemistry. People worked with copper compounds long before anyone pinned down their formulas. Ancient civilizations colored pottery and glass with copper minerals, and some crafts accidentally formed copper chlorides during smelting or metallurgy. It wasn't until the 18th century, as laboratory science matured, that chemists began isolating and identifying basic copper salts. Early records from the likes of Carl Wilhelm Scheele, who described copper oxychlorides in the late 1700s, give clues to its foundational status in the evolution of inorganic chemistry. This greenish compound gained popularity in the 1800s in Europe, especially in vineyards, thanks to the Bordeaux mixture—a blend of copper sulfate and lime first created to fight downy mildew. The scientific world started grouping these practical mineral products by their structure and composition as techniques for analysis improved. With more research in the 20th century, copper(II) chloride hydroxide—what we now call basic copper chloride—earned specific attention not just as a fungicide but as a feed additive for animals, giving the chemical a seat at the table in both agriculture and industry.
You spot basic copper chloride by its distinct pale green color. This substance serves as more than just a pigment; it brings copper’s bioavailability to animal nutrition, offers fun solutions for some crop fungal diseases, and sometimes finds use in pigment manufacturing. Unlike copper sulfate, which dissolves quickly, basic copper chloride sticks around longer and breaks down slower, delivering copper more steadily—an asset in animal feed or in field sprays. The feed industry values its consistent copper content, promising predictable results in animal growth and health, especially for poultry and swine operations. Over time, refiners have minimized toxic contaminants and maximized purity, improving safety and performance across applications. Some regions still rely on copper sulfate for tradition’s sake, but in my experience working with agribusiness consultants, the demand for basic copper chloride keeps rising due to its stability and lower risk of overdose.
Basic copper chloride usually appears as a pale green crystalline powder or granule, notable for its relatively high melting point (above 600°C before decomposition) and mild solubility in water. Its empirical formula, Cu2(OH)3Cl, reveals its hybrid nature as both a chloride and hydroxide. This mix gives it some resistance to acid and alkali compared to plain copper(II) chloride. The powder clumps under humidity but does not melt at room temperature. It dissolves slightly in water, forming a greenish solution, and dissolves much more readily under acidic conditions due to the breakdown of the hydroxide matrix. Its particle size can affect both absorbency in animal feed and dispersal as a plant spray. It gives off a faint odor reminiscent of damp copper ore, which often surprises newcomers in feed plants or warehouses on humid days.
Manufacturers set standards for copper content, moisture level, heavy metal limits (especially lead and cadmium), and sometimes particle size or flowability. European and North American feed regulations set the minimum purity above 95% and insist on copper content between 45% and 55%. Labels must include not only the chemical name and percentage of copper but also a batch code, date of production, and handling precautions. Humans want straightforward information, not surprises, so packaging usually shouts out storage instructions: keep it dry, away from incompatible materials like acids, and use gloves for direct handling. Large feed mills frequently ask suppliers for certification to ISO or GMP+ standards and demand safety data sheets detailing everything from potential irritancy to spill response. The technical data covers solubility curves, recommended dosing, and case notes on mixing behavior in various feed blends.
Basic copper chloride comes from a straightforward wet chemical reaction—dissolve copper(II) chloride in water, add a base such as sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide, and stir at controlled temperature. This approach produces a solid precipitate, which gets filtered, washed, and dried. Precise control of temperature, pH, and base concentration shapes the final product’s quality. In my early days as a lab tech, I learned this process is sensitive to impurities in the starting catalysts or water; trace metals or an incorrect stoichiometric ratio can mar the color and reduce copper yield. Factories now optimize every step, recycling water and reclaiming off-spec material, both to save money and keep effluent copper out of the wastewater. Batch-to-batch consistency takes priority, as small changes influence both safety and how well animals absorb the copper.
In practice, you watch basic copper chloride react easily with acids, releasing copper(II) ions and forming soluble copper salts. On the flip side, heating triggers decomposition, driving off water and hydrochloric acid to leave behind copper oxides. The compound also acts as an oxidant in some specialized chemical syntheses, changing color as its copper switches oxidation states. Some animal nutrition researchers experimented with mixing small quantities of chelating agents or amino acids, tweaking the release profile and absorption further inside the gut. In past years, pigment manufacturers tweaked its color qualities by milling or adding trace elements, and sometimes blended it with other copper compounds for broader spectrum disease control in plant sprays. Field tests revealed that minor alterations in preparation—like different base choices—shift dissolution speed, something you don’t want to overlook.
You’ll hear basic copper chloride called by many names: dicopper chloride trihydroxide, copper(II) oxychloride, copper(II) chloride hydroxide, and even mineral names like atacamite and paratacamite. The animal feed world knows it most often as “basic copper chloride” because that name clarifies the reduced risk of overdosing compared to copper sulfate. Chemical catalogs might list it as Cu2(OH)3Cl or EINECS 215-572-9. On a bag of chicken feed, expect to see “basic copper chloride (source of copper),” and in plant protection circles, labels sometimes still say “copper oxychloride,” despite its slightly broader chemical meaning.
Copper compounds aren’t playthings—they irritate skin and eyes and can generate toxic dust if mishandled. Feed mill workers wear gloves and use dust masks on the production floor, and operations use dust extraction systems to keep airborne copper below legal thresholds (typically set at 1 mg/m3 for copper dust in the workplace). Storage in well-sealed, moisture-proof containers avoids both clumping and accidental reactions with acids. Emergency manuals explain quick response for skin or eye contact (think eyewash and plenty of water) and encourage medical checks in case of suspected inhalation or ingestion. The EPA and EFSA flag basic copper chloride as a low-risk feed additive but set strict application rates—especially for juvenile livestock and species sensitive to copper toxicity (like sheep). Accidental large spills get cleaned up with vacuum systems or wet sweepers, then recycled or disposed of according to hazardous material rules. Transport follows UN 3077 for “Environmentally hazardous substances, solid, n.o.s.”
Basic copper chloride dominates as an animal feed additive, especially in growing poultry, swine, and aquaculture, where it supplies a steady stream of copper vital for enzyme systems and immune function. Nutritionists prefer this product to copper sulfate, since it reduces the risk of copper poisoning, interacts less with other minerals in the feed matrix, and promotes better weight gain. Beyond livestock, it’s used in smaller volumes as a fungicide on grapes, tomatoes, and potatoes, chipping away at persistent pathogens like downy and powdery mildew without ramping up resistance. Pigment makers sometimes rely on it for specific green hues in ceramics and paints, where its color stability at high temperatures stands out. The product isn’t licensed for human supplements, but some researchers have considered micro-dosing in plant-based food fortification projects. As market focus shifts toward minimizing heavy metal input and runoff, the blend of efficacy and environmental safety tips the scale toward its favor in future agricultural planning.
R&D teams dig deepest into how basic copper chloride ticks inside animal systems. Over the years, scientists mapped its uptake pathways in chicken intestines, noting improved copper absorption compared to copper oxide or even sulfate forms. Feed efficacy studies measure weight gain, feed conversion, and immune markers, showing clear benefit at recommended doses with sharply reduced excretion of unused copper. Chemists in the pigment sector experiment with producing ultra-fine grades or granulated forms for better dispersal and color uniformity. Crop researchers look for modifications that improve fungicidal persistence or reduce environmental copper accumulation. Global regulators—particularly in Europe—invest heavily to certify residue levels, downstream impacts on water quality, and interactions with other micronutrients. Emerging data trickling through trade journals points to new roles for basic copper chloride in slow-release fertilizers and biocide blends. The technical gap now is closing between research and farm use, mostly thanks to clear data connecting chemistry and biology in real-world settings.
Animal nutritionists and environmental scientists tracked toxicity for years, learning that copper is both essential and dangerous, depending on dose. Basic copper chloride sits near the top in safety for animals when compared with copper sulfate, as its slow release matches gut absorption, lowering the risk of abrupt spikes that harm the liver or kidneys. Overdosing in sheep, goats, and some fish can still cause distress, with symptoms like jaundice and digestive upset, so veterinarians always emphasize measuring out copper supplements with precision. Laboratory studies on rodents highlight a low potential for carcinogenicity or genetic harm at dietary exposure levels, and environmental modeling shows lower runoff risk because the solid state binds more tightly to soil particles. Feed operators still monitor copper levels in manure to track heavy metal accumulation in fields, using that real-world data to set sustainable supplementation programs. Some areas face bans on any extra copper above baseline nutritional needs due to decades of excess buildup; these bans underscore the need for better management and ongoing research.
The future for basic copper chloride hinges on balancing animal health benefits and environmental responsibility. Demand for high-performance copper additives in agriculture should grow, especially in regions scaling up livestock and aquaculture. Producers face stricter rules on heavy metal emissions, which pushes demand toward formulations with higher purity and traceability. More precise feeding models and digital traceability tools promise big improvements in how copper gets dosed and recorded along the supply chain. Crop science teams explore blending copper with organic biocides to curb resistance, all while lowering the total chemical footprint in fields. Some innovators look at encapsulation technology to fine-tune copper delivery, targeting both animal gut health and plant pathogen resistance. Research into minimizing copper leaching aligns with long-term soil health goals. What matters for the long haul—a robust pipeline of safety data, open sharing of product traceability, and a feedback loop from farms back to the lab and factory floor.
Ask anyone raising chickens or pigs, and they’ve probably added basic copper chloride to feed. The copper helps animals with growth and bone strength. It boosts the body’s ability to use iron, a big deal in young animals. Using the right copper supplement makes a difference; too much or the wrong form can slow growth or even risk health. After years on a family farm, I've seen how this copper source builds better livestock when mixed in proper amounts. Copper lost in stressful times—think illness or heat—gets replaced, so animals keep thriving.
Basic copper chloride goes into the dirt, helping crops stand up to disease. Farmers trust it to limit fungal problems on potatoes, fruits, nuts, and grapevines. City folks might spot it on professional lawns and golf courses, where it's aimed at killing moss and stopping certain plant diseases. It’s not the cheapest tool, but it’s trusted because copper doesn’t vanish fast in soil and adds a leaf shine gardeners enjoy. Still, I’ve heard complaints about copper build-up—nature doesn’t flush heavy metals out easily—so any use needs care.
Copper in plants matters for making proteins and key chemical reactions. The stuff in soil often doesn’t suit plants, which makes basic copper chloride a solid pick for fertilizer makers. After working on a landscaping crew, I remember how a light touch of this chemical turned pitiful tomato plants into strong, leafy things. Too much though, and leaves curl or yellow from copper overload. People juggle benefits and risks, always watching the mix.
Paints, textiles, and batteries turn to basic copper chloride for the pigment or as a building block. Its green-blue coloring makes it valuable in glass and ceramics, too. Electrical goods need copper, so industrial users count on it mixed and melted into wires and parts. Sourcing copper—old coins, recycled chunks—can feed the process, so use stays steady even when copper prices jump.
Getting the dose right always matters. The wrong copper source or too much of it means water or soil pollution. Regulators watch its use, crafting rules for feed, water, and fertilizer mixes. Studies from organizations like the FDA and EPA back up safe numbers, but it’s up to folks on the ground to measure and adjust. Protective gear helps workers avoid breathing it or getting it on skin. Neighbors living near big farms or chemical plants deserve answers about how copper gets used so problems don't sneak up.
Every use brings a payoff and a risk. Solutions start with training—not just for chemists and farmers, but for anyone near sites using this copper compound. Regular soil tests flag build-up before it harms earthworms or crops. Better feed formulas mean less waste, so animals get the copper they need and not too much trickles into manure lagoons. The hunt for safer alternatives matters too, with some teams turning to plant-based disease fighters or slower-release copper mixes. Knowledge gained in the field or factory has always shaped smarter habits more than rulebooks alone.
Basic copper chloride shows up most often in animal feeds, especially for poultry, swine, and cattle. It helps animals grow and keep their immune systems running well. It’s attractive in feed because its copper content helps prevent deficiency, and the compound stands up better to heat and moisture than some copper sources. This matters; animals need the right blend of minerals to avoid weakness, poor appetite, or scours. Farmers look for reliable sources, and basic copper chloride has become one of them.
Livestock nutrition experts rely on research when judging the safety of copper compounds. Studies published over the last decade suggest that basic copper chloride, fed in recommended levels, generally supports healthy growth in animals. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) gave its nod for use in animal feed, provided that copper doesn’t exceed approved maximums. That said, too much copper in a diet can build up in the liver, leading to poisoning. Sheep, especially, react poorly to excess copper, so their diets get checked more often.
In my own experience working with feed operations, mills take lab tests seriously before adding any mineral. They track copper concentrations across batches, and adjust the feed formulas, especially since farmers and regulators both keep an eye out for copper toxicity. Regular testing brings peace of mind and keeps livestock healthy.
Factory and farm workers who handle basic copper chloride count on safety rules to protect them. The dust off this compound can irritate skin or eyes. Inhaling the dust isn’t good for anyone’s lungs. Protective clothing and dust masks help steer clear of problems. I’ve seen vets and nutritionists emphasize washing hands and avoiding food when handling any copper supplement. These habits work—many feed workers spend decades in these jobs without copper-related illness.
Experts checked whether copper, used in feed, piles up in animal tissues to levels that could affect people. Meat, milk, and eggs collected in countries that use basic copper chloride most often stay below the health safety limits for copper. Authorities in both the U.S. and Europe test these products. So far, there’s little evidence that copper from these feeds builds up in the human food chain to dangerous levels. Still, public health agencies monitor the numbers and update guidance based on new studies.
Strengthening training for workers, especially in smaller, less-regulated feed mills, helps reduce exposure risks. Regular analysis of feed and animal tissues keeps both animals and people safe. Research groups keep refining copper dose recommendations to match animal needs and minimize leftovers in meat and the environment. Good record-keeping and ongoing studies support food safety goals and public trust.
Basic copper chloride supports animal health and food production, but it demands respect. Sticking to tested levels and common-sense safety measures greatly lowers risks. Over the years spent in agriculture, I’ve seen how knowledge, careful monitoring, and transparency around mineral use benefit everyone from the farmer to the end consumer.
Basic Copper Chloride shows up a lot in agriculture, animal feed, and even some specialty chemical applications. Anyone who’s had a bag burst open in a humid shed can tell you: this stuff reacts to moisture immediately. It clumps, changes color, or even emits an odd smell. There’s nothing abstract about it—moisture ruins product quality and can turn a routine storage job into a headache.
Leaving this substance in a damp warehouse—or in a bag that’s been poorly sealed—nearly always ends in waste. Humidity triggers chemical changes in copper compounds, forming various oxides or carbonates. This not only eats into your bottom line but may also lead to risks if the altered material is used in livestock or crop applications.
I once saw a whole shipment held back after rainwater snuck in through a loading dock door. Almost a ton had to be dumped because the material lost its properties. It’s a classic case of small mistakes leading to big losses.
Trying to save on packaging isn’t worth it. Sturdy, airtight containers—like HDPE drums with sealable lids—stand up to both physical knocks and humidity. Never use thin plastic bags or paper sacks unless you’re absolutely sure everything stays bone dry. Stack containers on pallets to keep them away from direct contact with concrete floors, which pull up moisture even on dry days.
Heat speeds up the breakdown of many copper compounds. Store Basic Copper Chloride in a cool, shaded space. Direct sunlight in a metal shed gets temperatures soaring fast, especially in the summer. High heat speeds up chemical changes—products may darken, lose potency, or even decay.
If you’re near a chemical plant or warehouse, you’ll see old-school tricks: painting shed roofs white, lining walls with insulation, and keeping windows small. These all work to cut down on temperature swings.
A lot of headaches disappear with good labeling. Write the date of receipt, source, and intended use right on the container. If you’re storing multiple chemicals, separate Basic Copper Chloride from oxidizers, acids, and other additives. Accidents often happen when someone grabs the wrong container or mixes chemicals without thinking.
You’ll also avoid old stock being used by mistake—that helps with both safety and quality control. This kind of diligence seems simple but saves trouble down the road.
Don’t pile containers in tight stacks where air can’t circulate. I’ve watched warehouses turn into mini-saunas after rains, humidity spiking between bags. Fungal growth loves this environment, and corrosion can attack any exposed metal fixtures. Leave gaps for air to flow and check the area for leaks or any wet patches.
Copper compounds like this aren’t as forgiving as grains or feed. Moldy grain might attract pests, but degraded copper compounds risk animal health or crop production, especially if impurities slip in from improper storage. The cost of a ruined batch can’t be understated—between disposal fees, replacement orders, and potential regulatory fines, neglecting basic storage steps doesn’t pay off.
Simple, commonsense steps—airtight containers, cool and dry rooms, clear labeling—keep things safe, save money, and protect workers in the process. In my experience, people who sweat the storage details rarely run into serious trouble.
Basic copper chloride turns up with the chemical formula Cu2(OH)3Cl. This compound sometimes earns the name “copper oxychloride” in the agriculture and pigment trades. To break it down, you’re looking at two copper ions sticking to three hydroxide groups and a single chloride ion. Those green crystals you see on lab shelves are more than just leftovers from old experiments—they pack a punch in both chemistry and industry.
This formula doesn’t just drop out of thin air. The copper ions sit in the +2 oxidation state. Add in the three hydroxide groups (OH-), with each oxygen and hydrogen supplying its own negative charge, and then a chloride ion (Cl-), and it all balances nicely. That specific structure is what gives basic copper chloride its distinct green hue and its abilities in both chemical reactions and real-world applications.
Chemists first described this stuff centuries ago, calling it atacamite or clinoatacamite depending on crystal structure. Early mineralogists found it in Chilean saltpeter works. They used simple tools—shovels, hammers, and taste tests, before more refined analysis came in during the industrial revolution. These days, standard spectrometers make that process a lot more accurate, and the identity of basic copper chloride leaves no room for doubt.
Basic copper chloride doesn’t just hide behind test tubes or in geology cabinets. Farmers spray it on tomato, potato, or citrus fields to fight fungus and bacteria. Paint manufacturers mix it in with pigments to catch that rich green color. In the electronics world, manufacturers sometimes reach for it during copper metal refinement. All this comes down to one thing: basic copper chloride stands as a solid example of how chemistry steps beyond theory and into the soil, paint cans, and factory floors where real problems need fixing.
Working with chemical compounds takes a steady hand and respect for safety. With basic copper chloride, the risks aren’t just about splashes or dust—excessive exposure to copper can cause health problems. Farmers have learned the hard way that overusing copper-based crop sprays leads to soil buildup, which damages beneficial microbes and earthworms. Studies show that copper does not leave soil as quickly as other nutrients. This persistence pushes growers and agricultural scientists to keep looking for safer application methods. Even in factories, proper handling and ventilation keep workers safe, and environmental teams have to monitor wastewater to make sure copper doesn’t end up poisoning rivers or groundwater.
Basic copper chloride carries a simple formula, but its story reaches into farms, factories, and the environment around us. Chemistry students can learn a lot from how a humble green powder goes from textbook diagrams to real challenges faced by growers and industrial engineers. Finding ways to reduce excessive copper buildup—rotating compounds, investing in new application tools, and rethinking waste disposal—will keep both the compound and its users out of trouble for years to come.
Basic copper chloride, also known as copper oxychloride, holds a spot in agriculture and industry, so the question of its water solubility matters for both farmers and folks working in chemical manufacturing. You might know it as a green powder that appears in fungicides and sometimes in animal feed. Out of curiosity and sheer practicality, I once tried to dissolve some in the sink during a garden project. Real hands-on learning there—basic copper chloride just clumped up and settled at the bottom.
Getting a substance to dissolve in water isn’t just about watching something disappear. Farmers rely on this property because soluble compounds spread better in the soil or on crops. Soluble copper, for instance, fights plant diseases more efficiently, but you might run into runoff issues. On the flip side, if a compound holds back and refuses to dissolve, it may end up just sticking to leaves or soil, slowly releasing copper over time. This slower release can help minimize the risk of copper toxicity—a genuine concern for soil health and water systems. In my years working with gardening projects, I’ve seen that compounds that stay put tend to provide a steadier nutrient source for plants.
Basic copper chloride doesn’t dissolve in water to any meaningful degree. Its chemical structure involves copper ions linked up in a way that water can’t break apart easily. This stubbornness is good and bad. For manufacturers, it means less of a hazard to waterways, since copper ions don’t just wash into streams and rivers whenever the rain comes. For agriculture, it leads to challenges in mixing sprays or finding ways to get a thorough coverage of the crop.
Crop protection remains a big job. Research shows that insoluble copper oxychloride holds onto leaves through rainfall better than many soluble options. It delivers a protective layer right where fungi tend to attack. This trait cuts down on how much chemical ends up in the environment, which eases anxiety over copper buildup in lakes and drinking water. Still, there’s a cost: less efficient spread means some plants get more than they need and some get less. Years ago, a neighbor used a water-soluble copper spray for tomatoes. He noticed early blight control was excellent, but it wore off fast, and heavy rains ruined several applications. Swapping to a less water-soluble option gave more reliable results, with fungi retreating and fewer applications needed through the season.
Folks working with basic copper chloride will probably want to keep an eye on the form they use. New micrometer or nanometer formulations boost coverage and limit the risk of runoff, according to peer-reviewed studies. These advances help with safer, more precise copper use, minimizing the risk of over-treatment and lowering copper buildup in soils. Industry transparency also helps—the clearer companies are about how much copper ends up in the ground, the better everyone can judge long-term impacts.
If you’re using copper-based products at home, it pays to think about their solubility. Products that don’t dissolve easily will likely stick around longer. This may mean longer protection against plant diseases, but you’ll want to avoid over-application. Following label instructions and spacing out treatments can protect your soil and local waterways. For me, that’s where the real value of understanding chemistry shows up—in small, everyday decisions that keep plants healthy without making bigger problems down the line.

| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Dichlorocuprate(2−) |
| Other names |
Copper(I) chloride
Cuprous chloride Dicopper chloride Copper monochloride |
| Pronunciation | /ˈbeɪsɪk ˈkɒpə ˈklɔːraɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 12069-69-1 |
| Beilstein Reference | 35867 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:53444 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1201581 |
| ChemSpider | 21169186 |
| DrugBank | DB14526 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 04c9a8d4-b441-4812-99b3-5b0da10b7d42 |
| EC Number | '215-609-9' |
| Gmelin Reference | Gmelin Reference: **93882** |
| KEGG | C14391 |
| MeSH | D014786 |
| PubChem CID | 25215 |
| RTECS number | GL8650000 |
| UNII | 61Z5BTS48T |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | Cu₂(OH)₃Cl |
| Molar mass | 197.00 g/mol |
| Appearance | A green crystalline solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 2.95 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 'log P' = -1.99 |
| Vapor pressure | Negligible |
| Acidity (pKa) | 7.6 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 8.5 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | +750.0e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.973 |
| Dipole moment | 1.90 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 154.0 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -809.0 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | QA06BB05 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed or inhaled; causes serious eye irritation; may cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Pictograms | GHS07,GHS09 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302: Harmful if swallowed. |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P264, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362+P364, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-0-1-X |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat: 1,350 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (oral, rat): 1350 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | T0399 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) of Basic Copper Chloride: 1 mg/m3 |
| REL (Recommended) | 30 mg/kg |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Copper(II) chloride
Copper(I) chloride Dicopper chloride trihydroxide Copper(II) oxide Copper carbonate |