Cu^(2+) is more stable than Cu^+ in aqueous solution. Explain.

1.	Cu^(2+) is more stable than Cu^+ in aqueous solution. Explain.
Answer» Solution :`Cu^+` has outermost electronic configuration as `3d^(10)` and THEREFORE, should be most common and most stable STATE because of extra STABILITY associated with completely filled d-subshell `(d^10)`. However, this is not true and `Cu^(2+)` with OUTER electronic configuration `3d^9` is more stable than `Cu^+`. This is due to high hydration energy in aqueous solution and high lattice energy in solid state of `Cu^(2+)` as compared to `Cu^+`. The equilibrium : `2 Cu^+ `K = ([Cu^(2+)])/([Cu^(+)]^(2)) = 1.6 xx 10^6` The constant fordisproportionation of `Cu^+` in aqueous solution shows that `Cu^(2+)` is very stable in aqueous solution as compared to `Cu^+`.

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