Question

Explain why cu+ ion is not stable in aqueous solution?

Answer 1

comparing to Cu+, Cu2+ has a high density of positive charge. and the heat of hydration is increased as its charge density increases.So Cu2+ releases more heat as it dissolves.Then it achieves more stroger bonds with water molecules than Cu+.so although Cu+ appears to be more stable with electron configuration,actually Cu2+ has more stability in solutions .

Answer 2

Answer:

In an aqueous medium, Cu2+ is more stable than Cu+. This is because although energy is required to remove one electron from Cu+ to Cu2+, high hydration energy of Cu2+ compensates for it. Therefore, Cu+ ion in an aqueous solution is unstable.