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Unusual Features of Crystal Structures of Some Simple Copper Compounds

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Bodie Douglas

Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260

J. Chem. Educ., 2009, 86 (8), p 980

DOI: 10.1021/ed086p980

Publication Date (Web): August 1, 2009

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

Some simple copper compounds have unusual crystal structures. Cu₃N is cubic with N atoms at centers of octahedra formed by 6 Cu atoms. Cu₂O (cuprite) is also cubic; O atoms are in tetrahedra formed by 4 Cu atoms. These tetrahedra are linked by sharing vertices forming two independent networks without linkages between them. CuS (covellite) is hexagonal with two distinct roles for Cu and S. Some layers have linked hexagons formed by 3 S and 3 Cu and there are also layers of Cu atoms and layers of S atoms. The Cu atoms of Cu layers are in tetrahedra formed by one S of a Cu–S layer and three S of an S layer. Each S of an S layer is in a tetrahedron formed by 3 Cu of a Cu layer and an S of another S layer. The two bonded S atoms form S₂^2- ions. Cu₂S (high chalcocite) is hexagonal. There are layers of linked CuS₃ hexagons and there are two Cu layers of tetrahedral sites. Cu atoms in tetrahedral layers are bonded to 3 S of one Cu–S layer and one S of another Cu–S layer. Structures are shown as unit cells and as polyhedra formed by 12 close-packed atoms in three layers to examine the roles of both atoms. Structures and roles of atoms are described by simple notation.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Inorganic Chemistry

Keywords (Feature):

Research: Science and Education

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Textbooks / Reference Books

Keywords (Subject):

Copper

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This article has been cited by 1 ACS Journal articles (1 most recent appear below).

Kudos to JCE Staff
Bodie Douglas
Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (10), 1190
- Kudos to JCE Staff
  Bodie Douglas
  Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (10), 1190
  The author describes his impressions of the efficiency of JCE's production of published articles.
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