Copper(II) Sulfate and Sodium Hydroxide
CuSO4 + 2NaOH → Cu(OH)2 + Na2SO4
Overview
Blue copper(II) sulfate solution reacts with sodium hydroxide to form a pale blue gelatinous precipitate of copper(II) hydroxide and sodium sulfate solution. This is a common qualitative test for copper(II) ions and is used in the Biuret test for proteins.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Copper(II) Sulfate CuSO₄ | 1 | (aq) |
| Reactant | Sodium Hydroxide NaOH | 2 | (aq) |
| Product | Sodium Sulfate Na₂SO₄ | 1 | (aq) |
Everyday Example
The Biuret test for proteins uses copper sulfate and sodium hydroxide; the formation of a violet color (rather than pale blue precipitate) indicates protein presence.
Industrial Importance
Copper hydroxide is used as a fungicide in agriculture (Bordeaux mixture) and as a starting material for other copper compounds.
Properties
- Type
- Double Replacement
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -59.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Aluminum Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid
Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid (White Smoke)
Barium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate Precipitation
Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid
Calcium Chloride and Sodium Carbonate
Calcium Hydroxide and Carbon Dioxide (Limewater Test)
Calcium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid
Iron(III) Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide
Lead Nitrate and Potassium Iodide (Golden Rain)
Magnesium Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid (Antacid)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Copper(II) Sulfate and Sodium Hydroxide?
The balanced equation is: CuSO₄ + 2NaOH → Cu(OH)₂ + Na₂SO₄.
What type of reaction is Copper(II) Sulfate and Sodium Hydroxide?
Copper(II) Sulfate and Sodium Hydroxide is a double replacement reaction.
Is Copper(II) Sulfate and Sodium Hydroxide exothermic or endothermic?
Copper(II) Sulfate and Sodium Hydroxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -59.0 kJ/mol.