Ncert Exercises & Solutions

8.9: Explain why Cu+ ion is not stable in aqueous solutions?

In an aqueous medium, Cu

^{2 +}

is more stable than Cu

^{+}

. This is because although energy is required to remove one electron from Cu

^{+}

to Cu

^{2 +}

, high hydration energy of Cu2+ compensates for it. Therefore, Cu+ ion in an aqueous solution is unstable. It disproportionates to give Cu

^{2 +}

and Cu.

2 C u_{(a q)} \to C {u^{2 +}}_{(a q)} + C u_{(s)}