The anhydrous form is a white, ionic, crystalline, hygroscopic salt with a distorted rutile-type crystal structure, similar to other fluorides of chemical formulae MF2 (where M is a metal).

[3] Cupric fluoride catalyzes the decomposition of nitric oxides in emission control systems.

A coupled reaction using oxygen and 2 HF regenerates the copper(II) fluoride, producing water.

Metal fluorides are generally safe at low levels and are added to water in many countries to protect against tooth decay.

At higher levels they can cause toxic effects ranging from nausea and vomiting to tremors, breathing problems, serious convulsions and even coma.