What is Cu(OH2) + H3PO4=?

To understand the reaction between Cu(OH)₂ (copper(II) hydroxide) and H₃PO₄ (phosphoric acid), let's break it down step by step. ### Step 1: Identify the Reactants 1. **Cu(OH)₂**: This is copper(II) hydroxide, which is a base and typically appears as a blue solid. 2. **H₃PO₄**: Phosphoric acid is a strong acid that can donate protons (H⁺ ions) in an aqueous solution. ### Step 2: Determine the Reaction Type The reaction between a base (Cu(OH)₂) and an acid (H₃PO₄) is a classic acid-base reaction, where the acid will react with the base to form a salt and water. ### Step 3: Write the Reaction The reaction can be represented as follows: \[ \text{Cu(OH)}_2 + \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \rightarrow \text{Cu}_3\text{(PO}_4\text{)}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \] However, we need to balance this equation. Each copper(II) hydroxide molecule reacts with phosphoric acid. ### Step 4: Balance the Equation 1. **Products**: When Cu(OH)₂ reacts with H₃PO₄, it can form copper(II) phosphate along with water. 2. Based on the reaction stoichiometry, one molecule of copper(II) hydroxide will react with two molecules of phosphoric acid to produce one formula unit of copper(II) phosphate and two molecules of water. The balanced equation would be: \[ 3 \text{Cu(OH)}_2 + 2 \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \rightarrow \text{Cu}_3\text{(PO}_4\text{)}_2 + 6 \text{H}_2\text{O} \] ### Step 5: Explanation of the Result - **Cu₃(PO₄)₂**: This is copper(II) phosphate, which is a salt formed from the reaction. - **Water**: As a by-product of the acid-base neutralization, water is also formed. ### Step 6: Conclusion In this reaction, copper(II) hydroxide acts as a base, and phosphoric acid works as an acid. They undergo a neutralization reaction to create copper(II) phosphate and water. This fundamental concept is essential in understanding acid-base reactions in chemistry. If you have any further questions about this reaction or related topics, feel free to ask!