Reacting copper(II) oxide with sulfuric acid

A photograph of blue copper sulfate crystals on a white surface

Source: © Shutterstock

Illustrate the reaction of an insoluble metal oxide with a dilute acid to produce crystals of a soluble salt in this class practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this experiment, students react copper(II) oxide, a black insoluble solid, with colourless dilute sulfuric acid to produce copper(II) sulfate with a characteristic blue colour. They can then obtain blue copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate crystals.

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