Copper - Properties, Uses and Extraction from its Ores | Chemistry for JAMB PDF Download

Copper Extraction from Sulphide and Oxide Ores

Copper is an important metal that is widely used in various industries. It can be extracted from both sulphide and oxide ores through different processes. Here are the main methods for extracting copper from these ores:

1. Extraction from Sulphide Ores:
Copper sulphide ores are the most common sources of copper. The extraction of copper from these ores involves the following steps:

• Crushing and Grinding: The ore is crushed and ground to a fine powder.
• Concentration by Froth Flotation: The powdered ore is mixed with water and a reagent called a collector. Air is then blown into the mixture, causing the copper minerals to float to the surface as a froth, while the gangue (unwanted materials) sinks to the bottom.
• Conversion to Copper Sulphide: The froth containing copper minerals is collected and dried. It is then roasted in a furnace, where sulphur is burned off, leaving behind copper sulphide.
• Smelting: The copper sulphide is further heated in a furnace with a reducing agent such as coke (carbon), which reacts with the copper sulphide to produce copper metal and a byproduct called slag.

2. Extraction from Oxide Ores:
Copper oxide ores are less common but can still be processed to obtain copper. The extraction of copper from oxide ores involves the following steps:

• Leaching: The crushed ore is treated with a dilute acid or a solution of a leaching agent, such as sulphuric acid or ammonium carbonate. This helps dissolve the copper oxide and form copper ions in solution.
• Solvent Extraction: The copper ions in the leachate solution are then extracted using an organic solvent, which selectively binds to the copper ions, separating them from impurities.
• Electrorefining: The copper-rich solution obtained from solvent extraction is subjected to electrolysis. Copper ions are reduced at the cathode, forming pure copper metal, while the impurities settle as sludge or remain in solution.

Properties and Uses of Copper

1. Properties of Copper:

• Copper is a reddish-brown metal with high electrical and thermal conductivity.
• It is malleable and ductile, allowing it to be easily shaped into wires or hammered into thin sheets.
• Copper has good corrosion resistance, making it suitable for various applications.
• It is a relatively soft metal, ranking 3-4 on the Mohs hardness scale.

2. Uses of Copper:

• Electrical Wiring: Copper's excellent electrical conductivity makes it the preferred metal for electrical wiring in buildings, power transmission lines, and electronic devices.
• Plumbing and Pipes: Copper pipes are widely used in plumbing systems due to their corrosion resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures.
• Heat Exchangers: Copper is used in heat exchangers and radiators because of its high thermal conductivity.
• Coinage: Copper has been historically used for making coins due to its durability and attractive appearance.
• Industrial Applications: Copper is used in various industries, including construction, automotive, electronics, and telecommunications, for manufacturing components, equipment, and machinery.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Copper possesses antimicrobial properties, and its alloys are used in healthcare settings to reduce the spread of infections.

Preparation and Uses of Copper(II) Tetraoxosulphate(VI)

1. Preparation of Copper(II) Tetraoxosulphate(VI):
Copper(II) tetraoxosulphate(VI), commonly known as copper sulphate or blue vitriol, can be prepared by the following method:

• In a beaker, dissolve copper(II) oxide or copper(II) carbonate in dilute sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄).
• The reaction can be represented as:
  CuO + H₂SO₄ → CuSO₄ + H₂O
  CuCO₃ + H₂SO₄ → CuSO₄ + CO₂ + H₂O
• Stir the mixture until the solid dissolves completely.
• Filter the solution to remove any undissolved impurities.
• If necessary, concentrate the solution by evaporating the water using gentle heating.

2. Uses of Copper(II) Tetraoxosulphate(VI):

• Agriculture: Copper sulphate is used as a fungicide and pesticide to control fungal and bacterial diseases in plants.
• Electroplating: Copper sulphate solution is used in electroplating processes to deposit a layer of copper onto objects for decorative or protective purposes.
• Analytical Chemistry: Copper sulphate is used as a reagent for various analytical tests, including the detection of reducing sugars and proteins.
• Electrolyte in Batteries: Copper sulphate solution is used as an electrolyte in certain types of batteries.
• Laboratory Uses: Copper sulphate is employed in various laboratory experiments, including crystal growing, qualitative analysis, and educational demonstrations.