15 Facts on HBr + CuSO4: What, How To Balance & FAQs

HBr is known as hydrobromic acid and CuSO4 is known as copper sulfate. Let us investigate how these two compounds react to each other.

Hydrobromic acid, the aqueous solution of HBr gas, is a strong mineral acid. CuSO4 salt is an ionic compound consisting of Cu2+ cation and SO42- (sulfate) anion. It can form hydrates having the general formula CuSO4.xH2O where x can vary from 1 to 7.

Here, we will elaborate on all the necessary features of the reaction between HBr and CuSO4, such as products of the reaction, reaction enthalpy, type of the reaction, etc.

What is the product of HBr and CuSO4

Cupric bromide or copper(II) bromide (CuBr2) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) are the products of HBr + CuSO4 reaction.

What type of reaction is HBr and CuSO4

HBr + CuSO4 is a double displacement reaction as ions present in starting materials exchange their positions during the reaction.

How to balance HBr and CuSO4

The equation for HBr + CuSO4 is-

HBr + CuSO4  =  CuBr2 + H2SO4

The balanced equation is acquired by following the steps below.

  • Check the number of atoms of every element present here both the sides.
  • The number of Cu, S, and O is the same on both sides.
  • HBr + CuSO4  =  CuBr2 (aq) + H2SO4
  • The number of H atoms is 1 and 2 on both sides respectively.
  • HBr + CuSO4  =  CuBr2 (aq) + H2SO4
  • The number of Br atoms is 1 and 2 on both sides respectively.
  • HBr + CuSO4  =  CuBr2 (aq) + H2SO4
  • Multiply HBr with 2.
  • Thus the balanced equation is
  • 2HBr + CuSO4  =  CuBr2 + H2SO4

HBr and CuSO4 titration

The titration between HBr and CuSO4 is is not feasible as HBr is a strong acid and CuSO4 is a soluble salt and they are producing another salt and strong acid.

HBr and CuSO4 net ionic equation

To get the net ionic equation for HBr + CuSO4, follow the steps below.

  • The two reactants, HBr and CuSO4, and the two products CuBr2 and H2SO4, all being ionic can be written in terms of ions.
  • The complete ionic equation is-
  • 2H+ (aq) + 2Br(aq) + Cu2+ (aq)  + SO42- (aq)   =   Cu2+ (aq)  + 2Br(aq) + 2H+ (aq) + SO42- (aq)
  • Thus, no net ionic equation is possible here as all the ions are spectator ions.

HBr and CuSO4 conjugate pairs

In the reaction HBr + CuSO4

  • The conjugate pair of HBr is Br.
  • The conjugate pair of CuSO4 is not possible as it is a salt.

HBr and CuSO4 intermolecular forces

In the reaction HBr + CuSO4, the intermolecular forces present are-

  • In HBr, two intermolecular forces are present; London dispersion forces and dipole-dipole interaction, of which the second one is significant because of its polar nature.
  • In CuSO4, three intermolecular forces present; Ionic, dipole-dipole interaction, and London dispersion forces of which the first one is significant because of its ionic nature.

HBr and CuSO4 reaction enthalpy

For HBr + CuSO4, the value of reaction enthalpy is -10.4 kJ/mole. It is calculated as follows.

Compounds Enthalpy of formation (kJ/mole)
HBr (aq) -119.6
CuSO4 (aq) -837.5
CuBr2 (aq) -177.8
H2SO4 (aq) -909.3
Table containing enthalpy of formation values
  • Reaction Enthalpy = ΣΔHf°(products) – ΣΔHf° (reactants) 
  • =  [(-177.8) + (-909.3)] – [2*(-119.6) + (-837.5)] KJ/mol
  • = -10.4 KJ/mol

Is HBr and CuSO4 a buffer solution

HBr + CuSO4 cannot form a buffer solution as HBr is a strong acid and CuSO4 is a salt.

Is HBr and CuSO4 a complete reaction

HBr + CuSO4 is a complete reaction as after formation of the products CuBr2 and H2SO4, no other reactions occur.

Is HBr and CuSO4 an exothermic or endothermic reaction

HBr + CuSO4 is exothermic as heat is generated during the reaction.

Is HBr and CuSO4 a redox reaction

HBr + CuSO4 is not a redox reaction as there is no change in oxidation states of the atoms H, Br, Cu, S, and O present in the reactant and product molecules.

H+1Br-1 +  Cu+2S+6O4-2   =    Cu+2Br2-1 + H2+1S+6O4-2  

Is HBr and CuSO4 a precipitation reaction

HBr + CuSO4 is not a precipitation reaction as the product CuBr2 is water-soluble compound.

Is HBr and CuSO4 reversible or irreversible reaction

HBr + CuSO4 is irreversible reaction as it is a unidirectional reaction.

Is HBr and CuSO4 displacement reaction

HBr + CuSOis a displacement reaction as bromide (Br) and sulfate (SO42-) ions are exchanged between HBr and CuSO4.

HBr CuSO4
Exchange of bromide and sulfate ions

Conclusion

To conclude, we can say copper(II) bromide can be used as an intensifier in photography and brominating agent in organic synthesis. Some of the uses of the other product sulfuric acid, are in cleaning of metals, making fertilizers, manufacturing chemicals, etc.