Copper Oxychloride 45% WP and Metallic Copper Equivalent

A quote for copper oxychloride 45% WP can show a different percentage from the metallic copper figure on the specification. Both numbers can be correct. One can describe the mass of the copper compound in the formulation, while the other expresses how much of that mass is elemental copper. Importers should record the named substance and the unit beside each result before comparing two offers.

Quick answer. Request the exact copper compound, its declared concentration and the metallic copper equivalent on the same mass basis. Use the confirmed copper equivalent to compare the amount of copper per kilogram of product. Use the approved label, the formulation specification and evidence for the intended crop and disease to assess whether each offer fits.

Read the active ingredient statement first

Copper oxychloride is one of several compounds used in fixed-copper fungicides. Copper hydroxide and cuprous oxide are other examples. The compound identity matters because different compounds contain different fractions of elemental copper. Metallic copper equivalent, often abbreviated MCE, expresses the amount of copper in the formulation on an elemental mass basis. The term describes a reporting basis for copper contained in the compound. UMass Extension's copper fungicide guide

A US Environmental Protection Agency label archive gives a clear example of these two declarations. A copper oxychloride manufacturing-use product lists 98.25% copper oxychloride and 58% metallic copper equivalent. The percentages refer to different quantities in that particular product. For a finished wettable powder, use that product's own documentation. US EPA archived copper oxychloride label

Averstar's catalogue lists copper oxychloride 45% WP. For a purchase inquiry, ask which basis the 45% figure uses, whether it is expressed by mass and where the supporting copper equivalent is stated. Ask the supplier to reconcile any difference between the sales description, the label and the analytical result before you approve the specification. Averstar copper oxychloride 45% WP listing

Compare copper content per pack

Suppose two hypothetical finished products come in 20 kg packs and their specifications confirm MCE values of 25% and 30% by mass. The packs contain different nominal amounts of elemental copper.

• A: Confirmed MCE — 25% by mass. Net pack mass — 20 kg. Calculated copper per pack — 5 kg.
• B: Confirmed MCE — 30% by mass. Net pack mass — 20 kg. Calculated copper per pack — 6 kg.

Multiply net product mass by the decimal MCE fraction to reproduce the calculation. For example, 20 kg multiplied by 0.25 equals 5 kg of copper. If you compare cost per kilogram of declared copper, divide each pack price by its calculated copper content after putting currency and delivery terms on the same basis. These numbers are illustrative and do not describe the Averstar product's metallic copper content.

Equal MCE values establish equal declared elemental copper per unit mass. Crop safety and disease performance also depend on the formulation and use conditions. Michigan State University Extension discusses how copper compound and particle characteristics influence copper availability and the potential for crop injury. Keep the content calculation and the agronomic assessment as two separate checks. Michigan State University Extension's copper formulation guide

Check the wettable powder specification

For a WP, or wettable powder, confirm the agreed checks for how readily the powder wets and how well the particles remain suspended. Ask for the test method and acceptance limit for each required property. A batch certificate should identify the tested material and report the results on the basis used by the specification. If a certificate only shows total copper, ask which evidence establishes the named copper compound and its declared content. Averstar's pesticide COA review checklist

For an order using private-label packaging, compare the approved ingredient declaration with the artwork before printing. Check the active ingredient name, the concentration basis, the formulation code and the net weight on the pack. If the artwork shows an elemental copper figure, match it to the confirmed product documentation and the requirements of the destination market. Averstar's pre-print label checklist

Prepare a copper fungicide inquiry

Begin with the destination country and intended crop and disease, then state whether the purchase requires a single-active product or a premix. If a supplier proposes copper oxychloride with a second active ingredient, request the complete composition and the label for the combination. Review the crop-and-disease claims, use restrictions and applicable local approval before comparing commercial terms.

Include the following fields in the request for quotation.

• Identity — copper compound, concentration, declaration basis and formulation code.
• Metallic copper — MCE value, units and the document that establishes it.
• Quality — specification revision, batch COA and agreed physical tests.
• Market — destination, crop, disease and the applicable product label or registration requirements.
• Commercial terms — pack net mass, estimated quantity, delivery basis and any artwork requirements.

Share those fields when requesting a copper oxychloride 45% WP quote. If your tender states only a copper percentage, attach the original specification and ask for written clarification of the intended basis before treating any offer as compliant. Contact Averstar