What color is anhydrous copper(II) sulfate, CuSO4?

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Multiple Choice

What color is anhydrous copper(II) sulfate, CuSO4?

Explanation:
Color depends on whether the salt is hydrated or not. Copper(II) sulfate in its hydrated form, CuSO4·5H2O, is blue because the water molecules coordinated to the Cu2+ ions change how the ions absorb light. When you remove the water of crystallization by heating, you get the anhydrous salt CuSO4. Without those water ligands, the light absorption changes and the solid appears white. So, anhydrous copper(II) sulfate is white. The blue color disappears as the salt is dehydrated, a classic sign of losing water of crystallization.

Color depends on whether the salt is hydrated or not. Copper(II) sulfate in its hydrated form, CuSO4·5H2O, is blue because the water molecules coordinated to the Cu2+ ions change how the ions absorb light. When you remove the water of crystallization by heating, you get the anhydrous salt CuSO4. Without those water ligands, the light absorption changes and the solid appears white. So, anhydrous copper(II) sulfate is white. The blue color disappears as the salt is dehydrated, a classic sign of losing water of crystallization.

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