When a strong base is added to a solution of CUSO_4, which is pale blue, a preci

Question

When a strong base is added to a solution of CUSO_4, which is pale blue, a precipitate forms and the solution above the precipitate is colorless. What is the net chemical equation that describes this reaction? Include the phases of all species in the chemical equation. When ammonia is then added, the precipitate dissolves and the solution turns a deep navy blue. What is the net chemical equation that describes this event? Include the phases of all species in the chemical equation. Tip: Plus signs (+) can be typed from the keyboard. Reaction arrows can be found in the Tools menu of the answer module. Include phases in the balanced chemical equation. Click on the (aq) button in the tools to select the phase to add. Phases should not be subscripted.

Explanation / Answer

1). CuSO4(aq) + 2OH-(aq) ----> Cu(OH)2 (s) + (SO4)2-(aq)

Here, the pale blue precipitate is of Cu(OH)2. The colourless solution contains the cation associated with the strong base you added (example, Na+, if you added NaOH), and (SO4)2- ions.


2). Cu(OH)2(s) + NH3(aq) ----> [Cu(NH3)4]2+(aq) + 2OH-(aq)

The complex [Cu(NH3)4]2+ is deep navy blue in colour.

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