What do you get when you mix copper sulfate and sulfuric acid?
When you mix copper sulfate (CuSO₄) with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), you typically get a solution that contains copper sulfate in sulfuric acid as the medium. If the concentrations are appropriate, there are no significant new chemical reactions, and the copper sulfate remains largely intact in solution.
However, if you heat the mixture, or if the concentration of sulfuric acid is very high, you might also promote the formation of complex ions or further reactions. For example, concentrated sulfuric acid can dehydrate copper sulfate if heated, leading to the formation of anhydrous copper sulfate (CuSO₄·5H₂O becomes CuSO₄ + 5H₂O).
In a laboratory setting, it's important to handle both substances with care, as concentrated sulfuric acid is a strong acid and can cause severe burns or reactions if not properly managed.