Copper(I) hydroxide is the hydroxide of the metal copper with the chemical formula of CuOH. It is a mild, highly unstable alkali. The color of pure CuOH is yellow or orange-yellow, but it usually appears rather dark red because of impurities. It is extremely easily oxidized even at room temperature. It is useful for some industrial processes and in preventing condensation of formaldehyde. It is also an important reactant and intermediate for several important products including Cu2O3 and Cu(OH)2. Additionally, it can act as a catalyst in the synthesis pyrimidopyrrolidone derivatives.

Applications

Copper(I) hydroxide is an important intermediate in the formation of copper(I) oxide (Cu2O).  The Cu2O compound has versatile applications such as for use in solar cells,  for the oxidation of fiberglass, [11] and for use in lithium ion batteries.  It has even been shown to have a useful application in the development of DNA biosensors for the hepatitis B virus.  Notably, it has been found that both CuOH and Cu(OH)2 must be simultaneously present for the synthesis of Cu2O.