Synthesis

Copper(II) hydroxide can be produced by adding a small amount of sodium hydroxide to

a dilute solution of copper(II) sulfate (CuSO4 5H2O). The precipitate produced in this
manner, however, often contains water molecules and an appreciable amount of sodium
hydroxide impurity. A purer product can be attained if ammonium chloride is added to the
solution beforehand. Nevertheless, it is impossible to obtain a pure product; processes for
eliminating impurities lead to the destruction of the hydroxide, giving rise to the more
stable oxide, CuO.[5] Alternatively, copper hydroxide is readily made by electrolysis of
water (containing a little electrolyte such as sodium bicarbonate). A copper anode is used,
often made from scrap copper.
"Copper in moist air slowly acquires a dull green coating. The green material is a 1:1
mole mixture of Cu(OH)2 and CuCO3."[6]
2 Cu (s) + H2O (g) + CO2 (g) + O2 (g) Cu(OH)2 (s) + CuCO3 (s)
This is the patina that forms on bronze and other copper alloy statues such as the Statue
of Liberty.

[edit] Reactions
Moist samples of copper(II) hydroxide slowly turn black due to the formation of
copper(II) oxide.[7] When it is dry, however, copper(II) hydroxide does not decompose
unless it is heated to 185C.[8]
Copper(II) hydroxide reacts with a solution of ammonia to form a deep blue solution
consisting of the [Cu(NH3)4]2+ complex ion, but the hydroxide is reformed when the
solution is diluted with water. Copper(II) hydroxide in ammonia solution, known as
Schweizer's reagent, possesses the interesting ability to dissolve cellulose. This property
led to it being used in the production of rayon, a cellulose fiber.
Since copper(II) hydroxide is mildly amphoteric, it dissolves slightly in concentrated
alkali, forming [Cu(OH)4]2-.[9]