If you heat copper sulfate pentahydrate to long or at too high of a temperature, what compound(s) is formed?
To determine the compound(s) formed when heating copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O) for an extended period or at high temperatures, we need to understand the composition of the compound and its thermal decomposition.
Copper sulfate pentahydrate is a hydrated compound consisting of copper sulfate (CuSO4) and water molecules (H2O). When heated, this compound undergoes a dehydration process, causing it to lose its water molecules. The resulting compound will depend on the extent of heating.
At moderate temperatures, heating copper sulfate pentahydrate will result in the removal of water molecules, leaving an anhydrous form of copper sulfate (CuSO4). This anhydrous form is white in color.
However, at very high temperatures or with prolonged heating, further decomposition can occur. The high heat can break down the copper sulfate molecules, leading to the release of sulfur dioxide gas (SO2), oxygen gas (O2), and residual copper oxide (CuO). This process is often accompanied by the release of steam and smoke due to the vaporization and combustion of the organic residue.
In summary, when heating copper sulfate pentahydrate, the initial product is anhydrous copper sulfate (CuSO4), but at extremely high temperatures, it may decompose further, resulting in the release of sulfur dioxide gas, oxygen gas, and residual copper oxide.