Thermal studies on oxalate complexes. IV. Potassium bis(oxalato)cuprate(II) dihydrate

The dehydration and decomposition of K₂Cu(C₂O₄)₂] · 2 H₂O have been studied using TG. The dehydration reaction gave the best fit to a second-order rate equation and has an activation energy of 411.5 ± 41.1 kJ mole^?1. Three distinct decomposition patterns were observed for the anhydrous complex. In the first case, K₂Cu(C₂O₄)₂] decomposes to K₂CO₃ and CuO by loss of CO₂ and 2 CO. In the second case, decomposition leads to K₂C₂O₄ and Cu by loss of 2 CO₂. In the third case, the basic carbonate K₂Cu(CO₃)_3/2O_1/2] is produced by loss of 2 CO and 0.5 CO₂. In the last case additional loss of CO₂ leads to the formation of K₂CO₃ and CuO in a separate reaction. Kinetic parameters are reported and discussed for all these reactions.