copper sulfate

Copper sulfate (CuSO4), also known as cupric sulfate or copper(II) sulfate, is an inorganic compound widely used in agriculture and industry. It appears as a bright blue crystalline solid in its pentahydrate form and as a white powder when anhydrous. Copper sulfate acts primarily as a fungicide and bactericide in crop protection and water treatment. In medicine and veterinary practice, it has been used topically as a fungicide, bactericide, germicide, antiseptic agent for wound care (mainly in animals), and to treat parasitic infections. Copper is an essential trace element involved in numerous biological processes including erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation), bone mineralization, collagen cross-linking via lysyl oxidase enzyme activity (LOX), antioxidant defense through superoxide dismutase cofactor function, melanin synthesis via tyrosinase activation for pigmentation of skin/hair/eyes; it also supports immune function[1][7][8]. Copper deficiency can lead to anemia and poor growth; however excessive exposure to copper sulfate is toxic.

Brand names

blue vitriolbluestone

Other names

cupric sulfate anhydrouscopper sulphateblue vitriol