Question

If HCl is added to a solution of copper(II)hydroxide how does this affect the solubility of the copper salt?

Answer 1

It should increase the concentration of copper in solution.

Explanation:

`Cu(OH)_2` is quite insoluble; `CuCl_2` is quite soluble in water:

`Cu(OH)_2(s) + 2HCl(aq) rarr CuCl_2(aq) + 2H_2O(aq)`

In solution, the copper ion probably exists as `[Cu(OH_2)_6]^(2+)`, a beautiful blue coloured species.