What is thermal decomposition using malachite?
Igloo writes Malachite is one of the ores in which copper is found naturally. It is known as a basic carbonate and has a rather complicated structure, but its formula is usually taken to be CuCO3.Cu(OH)2. On heating, both the carbonate and the hydroxide components decompose, yielding carbon dioxide and water and leaving the metal oxide as a solid residue: CuCO3.Cu(OH)2(s) -> 2CuO (s) + CO2(g) + H2O (l) You can see from this equation that 1 mol of a relatively complex structure has been broken down into 4 mol of relatively simple structures by the action of heat. This is known as thermal decomposition. Risk assessment Before attempting any practical work based on the advice and suggestions on this website, you must do the following. Identify any hazards, assess the risks from these hazards, and then decide appropriate control measures to reduce the risks. You must have these approved by those in authority in your school or college laboratory. Do not rely on what is said on this website.
