What is the Difference Between Copper Hydroxide and Copper Oxychloride?

Copper hydroxide and copper oxychloride are both copper-based fungicides used in agriculture, but they have some differences in their properties and composition.

Copper Hydroxide:

• Inorganic compound.
• Bluish-green solid.
• Rapid release of copper ions.
• Small particle size, which results in more surface area and potential for release of copper ions.
• Occurs naturally as the mineral serpentinite.
• Used in the production of rayon, a cellulose fiber.

Copper Oxychloride:

• Organic compound.
• Green crystalline solid.
• Slightly larger particle size compared to copper hydroxide.
• Slower and more prolonged release of copper ions.
• Commonly used fungicide.
• Found in metal corrosion products and archaeological objects.

Both compounds are effective as fungicides, but copper oxychloride is more commonly used, while copper hydroxide serves as an alternative and is also used in the production of rayon. The difference in particle size and rate of copper ion release can impact the effectiveness and duration of disease control.

Comparative Table: Copper Hydroxide vs Copper Oxychloride

Here is a table summarizing the differences between copper hydroxide and copper oxychloride:

Both copper hydroxide and copper oxychloride are important as fungicides, but they have different properties and uses. Copper hydroxide is an inorganic compound that occurs naturally as the mineral serpentinite, while copper oxychloride is an organic compound found in metal corrosion products and archaeological objects.