Copper(II) acetate, also referred to as
cupric acetate, is the
chemical compound with the
formula Cu(OAc)
2 where OAc
- is
acetate (CH
3CO
2-). The
hydrated derivative, which contains one molecule of water for each Cu atom, is available commercially.
Anhydrous Cu(OAc)2 is a dark green
crystalline solid, whereas Cu
2(OAc)
4(H
2O)
2 is more bluish-green. Since ancient times, copper acetates of some form have been used as
fungicides and green
pigments. Today, copper acetates are used as
reagents for the synthesis of various inorganic and
organic compounds. Copper acetate, like all copper compounds, emits a blue-green glow in a
flame.