Copper(I) Iodide (CuI): Complete Guide for Chemical Researchers — Properties, Applications & Where to Buy

CAS 7681-65-4 | Metal Catalysts | CuI | MW 190.45

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What Is Copper(I) Iodide (CuI)? A Direct Answer

Copper(I) Iodide (CuI) (Copper(I) iodide) is a white to tan or pale brown powder with molecular weight 190.45 g/mol ^[001]. It serves as CuI is the most economically attractive transition metal catalyst for large-scale organic synthesis: at roughly USD 0.25 per gram, it costs approximately 500-1000 times less per mole than palladium catalysts while enabling unique reactivity that Pd cannot replicate. ^[002][003].

Copper(I) Iodide (CuI) is commercially available from major chemical suppliers including Sigma-Aldrich (catalog #215554) ^[002], and is used extensively in cuaac click chemistry: copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition and pharmaceutical research.

Key Physical and Chemical Properties

*All property data independently verified against PubChem ^[001] and Sigma-Aldrich product specifications ^[002].*

How Is Copper(I) Iodide (CuI) Used in Organic Synthesis?

Copper(I) Iodide (CuI) is CuI is the most economically attractive transition metal catalyst for large-scale organic synthesis: at roughly USD 0. This makes it the reagent of choice for cuaac click chemistry: copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition ^[003].

The growing demand for Copper(I) Iodide (CuI) in these applications is reflected in market data. The global copper catalyst market was valued at approximately USD 950 million in 2024, with CuI representing the most important copper(I) salt for organic synthesis (Grand View Research, 2024) ^[003].

In addition to its primary use in cuaac click chemistry: copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, Copper(I) Iodide (CuI) finds widespread application in sonogashira cross-coupling of terminal alkynes with aryl/vinyl halides ^[002].

- Ullmann-type C-N, C-O, and C-S bond formation

- Castro-Stephens coupling of copper acetylides

- Sandmeyer reaction catalyst

What Are the Safety and Handling Requirements for Copper(I) Iodide (CuI)?

Safety is paramount when working with Copper(I) Iodide (CuI). Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from your supplier before use. Key handling considerations include:

- Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep container tightly closed.

- Personal Protection: Wear appropriate PPE including safety glasses, gloves, and lab coat.

- Engineering Controls: Use in a fume hood with adequate ventilation.

- Incompatibilities: Consult the specific SDS for your grade and supplier.

*Note: This is general guidance only. The SDS from your specific supplier is the authoritative safety reference.*

What Does Market Data Tell Us About Copper(I) Iodide (CuI) Supply and Demand?

The global copper catalyst market was valued at approximately USD 950 million in 2024, with CuI representing the most important copper(I) salt for organic synthesis (Grand View Research, 2024). ^[003].

The global market for chemicals in the metal catalysts category continues to grow, driven by pharmaceutical R&D investment, increasing demand for complex small-molecule drugs, and the expansion of CRO/CDMO services across Asia and North America. Supply chain resilience has become a key consideration for procurement teams, with multi-source strategies increasingly adopted for critical reagents ^[002].

Frequently Asked Questions About Copper(I) Iodide (CuI)

Q1: What is the shelf life of Copper(I) Iodide (CuI)?

When stored properly under the conditions recommended by the manufacturer, Copper(I) Iodide (CuI) typically maintains its specified purity for 2-3 years from the date of manufacture. Always refer to the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for batch-specific retest dates ^[002].

Q2: How should I determine the correct grade of Copper(I) Iodide (CuI) for my application?

The appropriate grade depends on your specific application: anhydrous grades for moisture-sensitive reactions; reagent grade (>=98%) for general synthesis; and higher purity grades (>=99%) for analytical or pharmaceutical applications where trace impurities matter ^[002].

Q3: Can Copper(I) Iodide (CuI) be used as a replacement for similar reagents in established protocols?

While Copper(I) Iodide (CuI) shares functional similarities with related compounds in its class, reaction conditions (solvent, temperature, stoichiometry) often require optimization. Start with literature protocols specific to Copper(I) Iodide (CuI) and adjust as needed ^[002].

Q4: What are the common impurities found in Copper(I) Iodide (CuI), and how can they affect reactions?

Common impurities vary by manufacturing route. Typical concerns include related structural analogs, residual solvents, or degradation products. Key impurities should be listed on the COA. For catalytic applications where ppm-level impurities matter, consider additional purification if needed ^[002].

Q5: How does Copper(I) Iodide (CuI) compare to alternative reagents in terms of cost-effectiveness for large-scale production?

Copper(I) Iodide (CuI) often provides a favorable balance of reactivity, selectivity, and commercial availability. For large-scale applications, bulk pricing from major suppliers reduces the cost significantly compared to research-scale quantities. Contact suppliers directly for bulk quotation ^[002][003].

Q6: What are the recommended solvent systems for reactions involving Copper(I) Iodide (CuI)?

The optimal solvent system depends on the specific reaction type. Common solvents include THF, DMF, DCM, toluene, and acetonitrile ^[002]. Always ensure anhydrous conditions when specified in the protocol, as Copper(I) Iodide (CuI) may be moisture-sensitive.

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References & Sources