Tetraminecopper (II) Persulphate Synthesis

Tetraminecopper (II) persulphate is another one of the copper-amine complex explosives. It's fairly easy to make, but doesn't seem to be especially all that useful. All that's needed is copper sulfate, ammonia solution, and ammonium (or potassium) persulfate. Ammonium persulfate is much more soluble in water and is used here.

Four grams of copper sulfate is first dissolved in 20 ml warm water. The solution appears light blue.



To this solution, 20 ml of 28% ammonia solution is added. The solution turns to a purple colour upon formation of the complex sulfate.



Four grams of ammonium persulfate is then dissolved in 40 ml warm water and then added to the first solution. The new solution is then chilled to 0 degrees C. The crystals formed can be washed with alcohol and are left to dry.

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