918 B
Copper benzoate
Formula
Cu(C6H5COO)2
Synonyms
TBD
Description
Copper benzoate is a fuel which is used in some blue color compositions. It is not used very often as it is more expensive than most alternatives.
Sources
Some specialised chemical vendors supply the material. Alternatively it can be manufactured without great difficulty via two different routes. In one, Benzoic acid and Copper carbonate are boiled in water until the reaction is complete. In the the other route, described in the following synthesis tutorial, the material is obtained from a solution of sodium or potassium benzoate and a soluble copper salt. When these solutions are added together a green precipitate of copper benzoate forms. This is filtered, thoroughly rinsed with hot water and left to dry.
Synthesis
TBD
Hazards
Copper benzoate is poisonous and should be handled wearing a dust mask