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  • Copper Sulfate Production: The Role of Copper(II) Oxide
    The insoluble base used to make copper sulfate is copper(II) oxide (CuO).

    Here's the reaction:

    CuO (s) + H₂SO₄ (aq) → CuSO₄ (aq) + H₂O (l)

    * CuO is a solid, dark brown powder.

    * H₂SO₄ is sulfuric acid, a strong acid.

    * CuSO₄ is copper sulfate, a blue crystalline solid.

    * H₂O is water.

    Explanation:

    When copper(II) oxide reacts with sulfuric acid, the oxide dissolves, and copper sulfate is formed in solution. The reaction is an acid-base reaction, where the oxide acts as a base and sulfuric acid acts as an acid.

    It's important to note that while other insoluble bases like copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)₂) can react with sulfuric acid to form copper sulfate, copper(II) oxide is the most common and practical choice.

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