Question

$Cu_2Cl_2$ and $CuCl_2$ in aqueous medium

• A. $CuCl_2$ is more stable than $Cu_2Cl_2$
• B. Stability of $Cu_2Cl_2$ is equal to stability of $CuCl_2$
• C. Both are unstable
• D. $Cu_2Cl_2$ is more stable than $CuCl_2$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In aqueous solutions, copper(I) chloride (Cu\(_2\)Cl\(_2\)) is more stable than copper(II) chloride (CuCl\(_2\)) due to the nature of copper ions and their oxidation states. Copper(I) chloride, in the form of Cu\(_2\)Cl\(_2\), is relatively stable because it tends to remain in the +1 oxidation state, whereas CuCl\(_2\), which contains copper in the +2 oxidation state, is less stable in aqueous medium due to the instability of copper(II) ions in water.

Thus, Cu\(_2\)Cl\(_2\) is more stable than CuCl\(_2\) in aqueous medium.

Answer 2

$CuCl _{2}$ is more stable than $Cu _{2} Cl _{2}$. The size of $Cu ^{2+}$ is smaller than $Cu ^{+}$. The hydration enthalpy depends on the size of the cation. Smaller the size of the cation more will be the hydration enthalpy. Hence, more will be stability.

Answer 3

Cu$_2$Cl$_2$ is copper(I) chloride, which contains copper in the +1 oxidation state (Cu$^+$). In contrast, CuCl$_2$ is copper(II) chloride, where copper is in the +2 oxidation state (Cu$^{2+}$). The +1 oxidation state (Cu$^+$) is generally more stable in aqueous solutions compared to the +2 oxidation state (Cu$^{2+}$), because Cu$^{2+}$ is highly reactive and tends to get reduced to Cu$^+$. Therefore, Cu$_2$Cl$_2$ (copper(I) chloride) is more stable in aqueous medium than CuCl$_2$ (copper(II) chloride).

In an aqueous environment, copper(I) chloride (Cu$_2$Cl$_2$) is relatively stable as Cu$^+$ does not easily undergo oxidation to Cu$^{2+}$ in the presence of water. On the other hand, CuCl$_2$ (Cu$^{2+}$) is more prone to hydrolysis and reduction, making it less stable.

CuCl$_2$ is more likely to undergo reduction to Cu$_2$Cl$_2$ in aqueous solutions, especially under reducing conditions, which further demonstrates the greater stability of Cu$_2$Cl$_2$ compared to CuCl$_2$.

Thus, the correct answer is (A) Cu$_2$Cl$_2$ is more stable than CuCl$_2$.