Cu + 2 KNO3 + 2 H2SO4 → CuSO4 + K2SO4 + 2 NO2 + 2 H2O
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
Cu0 - 2 e- → CuII (oxidation)
2 NV + 2 e- → 2 NIV (reduction)
Cu is a reducing agent, KNO3 is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
Products:
- CuSO4 – Copper(II) sulfate
- K2SO4
- NO2 – Nitrogen dioxide
- Other names: Nitrogen(IV) oxide , Deutoxide of nitrogen , Nitrogen peroxide
- Appearance: Brown gas ; Reddish-brown gas or brown or yellow liquid with pungent odour ; Yellowish-brown liquid or reddish-brown gas (above 70°F) with a pungent, acrid odor. [Note: In solid form (below 15°F) it is found structurally as N2O4.]
- H2O – Water, oxidane