Alloys and Properties of Copper

Alloy and Health Applications

• Alloy for vaginitis treatment: Typically involves the use of silver alloy for its antibacterial properties.
• Alloy associated with Wilson's disease: Copper is the key element implicated in Wilson's disease, leading to copper accumulation in tissues.
• Alloy used for ears, throat, and bladder treatments: Gold alloy is commonly employed due to its biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion.

Chemical Properties and Reactions

• Substance soluble only in Aqua Regia and Selenic acid: Gold is uniquely soluble in these two strong acids, indicating its noble nature.
• Main ingredient in Benedict's solution: The primary compound is copper sulfate, which is an excellent electrical conductor, utilized in testing reducing sugars.

Compounds and Materials

• 'Blue Vitriol' or 'Blue Stone': This term refers to copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate, widely used in agriculture and as a fungicide.
• Main antidote for Thallium poisoning: Prussian blue is the standard treatment, trapping thallium in the intestinal tract.
• Metal alloy with 80% Tin: The alloy is known as Bronze, with Tin being a significant component.

Common Metals and Their Uses

• Metal for can and utensil manufacture: Aluminum is extensively used for its lightweight nature and effectiveness against bacteria such as Staphylococci.
• Substance with an opacifying sunblock effect: Zinc oxide serves as an effective physical sunblock, reflecting UV rays.
• Most stable gas among diatomic molecules: Nitrogen holds this title, making up about 78% of Earth’s atmosphere.
• Metal that oxidizes easily when freshly prepared: Iron is prone to oxidation upon exposure to air and moisture.

Key Nutrients and Medical Compounds

• 2nd most abundant intracellular cation: Potassium plays a crucial role in cellular functions and is also found in chlorophyll.
• Compound serving as a gastric antacid: Calcium carbonate is used to neutralize stomach acid and is associated with Itai-Itai Disease due to cadmium contamination.
• Antiseptic in +3 oxidation state: Iron(III) compounds, specifically iron chloride, are known for their antiseptic properties.
• Antidote for barbiturate toxicity: Flumazenil acts as the antidote, reversing the effects of barbiturates.

General Knowledge

• Metal used in dental impressions and surgical casts: Aluminium along with certain alloys is utilized due to its biocompatibility and workability.
• 3rd most abundant element among all metals: Aluminum ranks high, following iron and copper in terms of natural abundance.