[4] Copper hydride is mainly produced as a reducing agent in organic synthesis and as a precursor to various catalysts.

[5] In copper hydride, elements adopt the Wurtzite crystal structure[8][9] (polymeric), being connected by covalent bonds.

[10] While all methods for the synthesis of CuH result in the same bulk product, the synthetic path taken engenders differing surface properties.

[15] The reactions produce a red-colored precipitate of CuH, which is generally impure and slowly decomposes to liberate hydrogen, even at 0 °C.

After drying, conducting Cu films protected by a layer of mixed copper oxides are spontaneously formed.

[7] Phosphine- and NHC-copper hydride species have been developed as reagents in organic synthesis, albeit of limited use.

[24] Subsequently, conditions have been developed for the CuH-catalyzed hydrosilylation of ketones[25] and imines[26] proceeding with excellent levels of chemo- and enantioselectivity.

The reactivity of LnCuH species with weakly activated (e.g. styrenes, dienes) and unactivated alkenes (e.g. α-olefins) and alkynes has been recognized[27] and has served as the basis for several copper-catalyzed formal hydrofunctionalization reactions.

However, it does not form stable aqueous solutions, due in part to its autopolymerisation, and its tendency to be oxidised by water.

Amorphous copper hydride is converted into the Wurtz phase by annealing, accompanied by some decomposition.

[31] Hydridocopper was discovered in the vibration-rotation emission of a hollow-cathode lamp in 2000 by Bernath, who detected it at the University of Waterloo.

[37][38] In vapour experiments, it was found that copper hydride is produced from the elements upon exposure to 310 nanometre radiation.

The activation barrier for the reverse reaction is virtually non-existent, which allows it to readily proceed even at 20 Kelvin.