How to Make a Copper Ion Solution
- 1). Decide on the concentration of copper ions you want in your solution and the volume of solution you want to make. For example, you might want 1 gram of copper per 100 milliliters of water and you might want to make 200 milliliters of this solution.
- 2). Calculate how much copper sulfate pentahydrate you need to dissolve to get your desired concentration of copper. Every gram of copper sulfate pentahydrate will produce about 0.26 grams of copper ions once dissolved, so you will divide your desired mass of copper by 0.26 to calculate how much copper sulfate pentahydrate you need. In the example, you would need 1 gram copper / 100 milliliters x 200 milliliters, or 2 grams. The amount of copper sulfate required would then be 2/0.26 or 7.7 grams. The maximum solubility of copper sulfate in room temperature water is around 23 grams per 100 milliliters water; however, so you can't use more than that ratio.
- 3). Weigh out the mass of copper sulfate pentahydrate that you calculated was required.
- 4). Fill a container with the required volume of water. In the example, this would be 200 milliliters. You can use a container with graduated volume marks on the side, such as a beaker, to keep track of how much water you have added.
- 5). Add the copper sulfate pentahydrate you previously weighed out and stir to dissolve. Once the copper sulfate has dissolved, its molecules will split apart to release copper and so you will have made a copper ion solution.
Source...