HCOH + 2 CuSO4 + 4 NaOH → HCOOH + Cu2O + 2 Na2SO4 + 2 H2O
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
2 CuII + 2 e- → 2 CuI (reduction)
C0 - 2 e- → CII (oxidation)
CuSO4 is an oxidizing agent, HCOH is a reducing agent.
Reactants:
Products:
- HCOOH – Formic acid , Methanoic acid
- Other names: Carbonous acid; Formylic acid; Hydrogen carboxylic acid; Hydroxy(oxo)methane; Metacarbonoic acid; Oxocarbinic acid; Oxomethanol , Hydrogen carboxylic acid , Aminic acid
- Appearance: Colorless fuming liquid ; Colourless fuming liquid with pungent odour ; Colorless liquid with a pungent, penetrating odor. [Note: Often used in an aqueous solution.]
- Cu2O – Copper(I) oxide
- Na2SO4
- H2O – Water, oxidane