Dehydration of potassium tetrachlorocuprate(II) dihydrate

Abstract

The thermal dehydration of K₂[CuCl₄]·2H₂O has been investigated by measuring the dissociation pressure as a function of composition and temperature. The enthalpy and entropy of reaction and formation have been calculated. The spectral and magnetic properties of both the hydrate and the anhydrous compound have been investigated and fitted assuming tetragonal distortion with axial elongation (D_4h symmetry). The crystal-field parameters used are reported. From the known structure of the dihydrate and the changes in properties, the probable structural changes to form the anhydrous compound are discussed.