Give the equation

What happens when we add ammonia to copper sulphate solution? Please provide a balanced equation.

1 Answers

226
Abhas Agarwal ·

The simple equation is as follows:
CuSO4(aq) + 2NH4OH(aq) --> Cu(OH)2(s) + (NH4)2SO4(aq)
There is a reaction between the Cu2+ ions and the small number of OH- ions from the NH4OH , which produces insoluble copper(ll) hydroxide Cu(OH)2.

But if further ammonia is added to the beaker, a second reaction takes place: The previously insoluble Cu(OH)2 dissolves in the excess ammonia to produce the Cu(NH3)4 2+ ion. TH equation is:
Cu(OH)2(s) + 4NH3(aq) --> [Cu(NH3)4]SO4(aq)
This is a soluble compound with a purple colour. There is no precipitate.

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