Description of experiment
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Needed compounds:
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sodium hydroxide : NaOH
ascorbic acid : C6H8O6
copper sulfate penta hydrate : CuSO4 . 5H2O
Class:
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elem=Cu
redox
coordination
Summary:
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Copper (II) gives a coordination complex with ascorbic acid in neutral or
slightly acidic environments. In alkaline environments copper (II) is
reduced rapidly by ascorbic acid / ascorbate.
Description:
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Add a little quantity of solid copper sulfate to a solution of ascorbic acid:
The solid dissolves and the liquid turns pale green/yellow, instead of the
expected pale blue.
Heat to appr. 60 C: No visible changes.
Add some solution of NaOH: Formation of an orange precipitate. This precipitate
is formed almost instantly.