What Is Cuprous Chloride?

Manufactured Products

• Cuprous chloride is a copper ion chemical used to stop root growth in plants that are cultivated in nursery pots. The chemical is manufactured into cuprous chloride technical, for use on plants, and cuprous chloride migratrol R001, which is a mixture of cuprous chloride and plastic. Migratrol R001 is used to make items such as flower pots after it is added to high-density polyethylene. The chemical is used for plant pots because of its ability to stop the roots from growing to the walls of the pot, which enhances the growth of the plant.

Other Uses

• Cuprous chloride and other copper compounds can be used to stop the growth of fungicides on wood and paint. The fungi and algae are affected by the low toxicity of the copper. Animals wouldn't be deterred from the use of copper compounds as repellents. Cuprous chloride can also be applied directly to a plant to stop the growth of fungicides. The compound forms a protective barrier. Cuprous chloride also proves valuable as an anti-fouling agent.

Chemical Reaction

• The copper compound becomes useful in chemical reactions form the change in electrochemical potential between the cupric and cuprous ions. The cuprous chloride acts as an instigator in these chemical reactions, which can produce compounds such as cuprous chloride migratrol R001. A reaction is necessary for the incorporation of each component of the mixture. Cuprous chloride is considered the resin of copper, and is green crystals that aren't soluble in water.

Danger

• Cuprous chloride is considered dangerous if it contacts your eyes or if it is ingested or just touches your mouth. It is also relatively dangerous if inhaled. While the human body contains 80 to 150 mg of copper ion, the chemical is irritating to the gastric mucosa and emesis. If cuprous chloride is ingested, only a small amount is absorbed because of the thick wall of gastric mucosa and vomiting prevent the transfer.