Copper-catalyzed coupling of anthranils and α-keto acids: direct synthesis of α-ketoamides.

See more Copper products. Copper (atomic symbol: Cu, atomic number: 29) is a Block D, Group 11, Period 4 element with an atomic weight of 63.546. The number of electrons in each of copper's shells is 2, 8, 18, 1 and its electron configuration is [Ar]3d¹⁰ 4s¹. The copper atom has a radius of 128 pm and a Van der Waals radius of 186 pm. Copper was first discovered by Early Man prior to 9000 BC. In its elemental form, copper has a reddish-orange metallic and lustrous appearance. Of all pure metals, only silver has a higher electrical conductivity. The origin of the word copper comes from the Latin word 'cuprium' which translates as "metal of Cyprus," as the Mediterranean island of Cyprus was known as an ancient source of mined copper..