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Schweizer's reagent is the metal ammine complex with the formula 42]2. This deep-blue compound is used in purifying cellulose.
It is prepared by precipitating copper hydroxide from an aqueous solution of copper sulfate using sodium hydroxide or ammonia, then dissolving the precipitate in a solution of ammonia.
It forms an azure solution. Evaporation of these solutions leaves light blue residue of copper hydroxide, reflecting the lability of the copper-ammonia bonding. If conducted under a stream of ammonia, then deep blue needle-like crystals of the tetrammine form. In presence of oxygen, concentrated solutions give rise to nitrites Cu2n. The nitrite results from oxidation of the ammonia.
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