Copper(II) acetate

Copper(II) acetate is used in biochemical applications such as DNA extraction. Copper(II) complexes have been evaluated for anticancer, antibacterial and antifungal activities. Cu(II) complexes are known to cleave DNA; however, increased efficiency is seen in the presence of an oxidizer (often H₂O₂). Copper acetate exists in a dimeric structure in the solid state as well as in non-aqueous solution. Has been shown to bind the ribose hydroxyls of both purine and pyrimidine nucleosides. Popular methods for DNA extraction may be hindered by endogenous levels of polysaccharides, phenolics and other organic molecules; copper(II) acetate treatment has been shown to fix and remove tannins in samples from Pyrus (Pear) yielding high quality DNA.