What precipitates form when CuSO4 and H3PO4 added together?
When copper sulfate (CuSO4) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) are mixed together, a precipitation reaction occurs. The reaction can be represented by the following equation:
CuSO4 + H3PO4 → Cu(H2PO4)2 + H2SO4
In this reaction, copper sulfate reacts with phosphoric acid to form copper dihydrogen phosphate (Cu(H2PO4)2) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The copper dihydrogen phosphate is the precipitate that forms, while sulfuric acid remains dissolved in the solution.
To determine what precipitate forms when CuSO4 (copper sulfate) and H3PO4 (phosphoric acid) are added together, we need to consider their chemical reactions.
First, let's determine the ionic forms of these compounds:
- CuSO4 dissociates into Cu2+ (copper ions) and SO4^2- (sulfate ions).
- H3PO4 dissociates into H+ (hydrogen ions) and H2PO4- (dihydrogen phosphate ions).
When CuSO4 is mixed with H3PO4, a double replacement reaction occurs:
Cu2+ + H2PO4- → Cu(H2PO4)2
In this reaction, the copper ions (Cu2+) react with the dihydrogen phosphate ions (H2PO4-) to form a product called copper dihydrogen phosphate, Cu(H2PO4)2.
The formation of a precipitate depends on the solubility of the compound. Copper dihydrogen phosphate is sparingly soluble in water, meaning it has low solubility and tends to form a precipitate. Therefore, when CuSO4 and H3PO4 are added together, copper dihydrogen phosphate may precipitate out of the solution.
It's important to note that the presence of other ions or factors such as temperature and concentration can affect the formation of a precipitate.