Dikupferoxid

synthetischeCopper(I) oxide decomposes above 1800°C but can be prepared by heating copper metal in air above 1030°C. To prevent further oxidation, the material must be cooled in an inert atmosphere. Lower temperatures may be used to produce the oxide if the material is blended with a reducing agent such as carbon and heated to 750°C in an inert atmosphere. The product must be stabilized with isophthalic acid or pine oil (Ayers, 1953). A particularly stable copper(I) oxide can be prepared by blending copper powder and cupric oxide in stoichiometric amounts and heating to 800-900°C. Lower temperatures can be used if ammonia or certain ammonium salts are added to the blend (Day, 1969; Drapeau and Johnson, 1956; Drapeau and Johnson, 1959).