Cu (s) + 2 H2SO4 (aq) + 3 H2O (l) → CuSO4*5H2O (aq) + SO2 (aq)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
Cu0 - 2 e- → CuII (oxidation)
SVI + 2 e- → SIV (reduction)
Cu is a reducing agent, H2SO4 is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
Products:
- CuSO4*5H2O
- SO2 – Sulfur dioxide
- Other names: Sulfurous anhydride , Sulphur dioxide , Sulfurous acid anhydride
- Appearance: Colorless gas ; Colourless gas or compressed liquefied gas with pungent odour ; Colorless gas with a characteristic, irritating, pungent odor. [Note: A liquid below 14°F. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]