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💏intro to chemistry review

Copper(II) Sulfate

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Copper(II) sulfate is a chemical compound with the formula CuSO4, consisting of copper, sulfur, and oxygen. It is a blue crystalline solid that is widely used in various applications, including agriculture, water treatment, and the production of other copper compounds.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Copper(II) sulfate is a member of the transition metal compounds, which are known for their variable oxidation states and ability to form coordination complexes.
  2. The compound is typically prepared by the reaction of copper metal or copper(II) oxide with sulfuric acid, or by the dissolution of copper in sulfuric acid.
  3. Copper(II) sulfate is a versatile compound that has a wide range of applications, including as a fungicide, algicide, and in the production of other copper compounds.
  4. The blue color of copper(II) sulfate is due to the presence of the [Cu(H2O)6]2+ complex ion, where the copper(II) ion is surrounded by six water molecules.
  5. Copper(II) sulfate is also used in the electroplating process, where it serves as a source of copper ions for the deposition of copper onto a surface.

Review Questions

  • Explain the significance of copper(II) sulfate as a transition metal compound in the context of 19.1 Occurrence, Preparation, and Properties of Transition Metals and Their Compounds.
    • Copper(II) sulfate is an important example of a transition metal compound, as it exhibits the characteristic properties of transition metals, such as variable oxidation states and the ability to form coordination complexes. The preparation of copper(II) sulfate, typically through the reaction of copper metal or copper(II) oxide with sulfuric acid, demonstrates the occurrence and preparation of transition metal compounds. Additionally, the unique properties of copper(II) sulfate, such as its blue color and versatile applications, are representative of the diverse properties of transition metal compounds discussed in the context of 19.1.
  • Describe how the coordination chemistry of copper(II) sulfate relates to the properties and applications of transition metal compounds.
    • The coordination chemistry of copper(II) sulfate is a key aspect of its properties and applications as a transition metal compound. The copper(II) ion in the compound forms a coordination complex with six water molecules, [Cu(H2O)6]2+, which gives rise to the characteristic blue color of the compound. This coordination complex, along with the variable oxidation state of copper, contributes to the compound's ability to participate in redox reactions and its use in applications such as electroplating and water treatment. The formation of coordination compounds is a fundamental property of transition metals, and understanding the coordination chemistry of copper(II) sulfate provides insights into the broader properties and applications of transition metal compounds.
  • Analyze how the preparation and properties of copper(II) sulfate reflect the general trends and principles governing the occurrence, preparation, and behavior of transition metal compounds.
    • The preparation and properties of copper(II) sulfate exemplify the general trends and principles associated with transition metal compounds, as discussed in the context of 19.1 Occurrence, Preparation, and Properties of Transition Metals and Their Compounds. The ability to synthesize copper(II) sulfate through the reaction of copper metal or copper(II) oxide with sulfuric acid demonstrates the occurrence and preparation of transition metal compounds. Additionally, the variable oxidation state of copper, the formation of a coordination complex, and the resulting blue color of the compound are all characteristic of the unique properties of transition metal compounds. Furthermore, the versatile applications of copper(II) sulfate, ranging from fungicide to electroplating, highlight the diverse utility of transition metal compounds in various industries and fields. By analyzing the specific case of copper(II) sulfate, one can gain a deeper understanding of the broader principles governing the occurrence, preparation, and properties of transition metal compounds.