If NH3 (aq) is slowly added to a lightblue solution of Cu2+ (aq), a pale blueprecipitate, Cu(OH)2(s) forms. When additionalNH3 (aq) is added, the precipitate disolves anda clear, deep blue-violet solution results. The color results fromthe formation of[Cu(NH3)4]2+(aq).
(a) Write balanced chemical equasions for these twoequilibrium reactions, labeling the colors of the speciescontaining copper ion.
(b) Will acidic or basic conditions favour the formation ofCu(OH)2(s) from Cu2+(aq)?Use the first equasion you wrote in (a) to help explain reasoning.
(c) Will mildly acidic conditions favour the formation of[Cu(NH3)4]2+(aq) fromCu(OH)2(s)? Use second equasion you wrote in(a) to explain reasoning.(d) Are these equilibrium reactions also redox reactions?Explain your reasoning.