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Chemical Equilibrium question

2011 · Shift 2 · Q13
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Chemical Equilibrium question

2011 · Shift 2 · Q13

JEE AdvancedChemistryChemical EquilibriumMultiple correct+4 / −2
The equilibrium 2Cu+→Cu∘+Cu2+2C{u^+} \to Cu^\circ + C{u^{2+}}2Cu+→Cu∘+Cu2+ In aqueous medium at 25 ∘{}^\circ∘ C shifts towards the left in the presence of
  1. A
    NO 3−{}_3^ -3−​
  2. B
    Cl −-−
  3. C
    SCN −-−
  4. D
    CN −-−
View written solutionFree

Correct answer: B, C, D

  1. Identify the equilibrium

The given equilibrium is the disproportionation of cuprous ion:

2Cu+⇌Cu(s)+Cu2+2Cu^+ \rightleftharpoons Cu(s) + Cu^{2+}2Cu+⇌Cu(s)+Cu2+

We are asked: in aqueous medium at 25∘C25^\circ C25∘C, this equilibrium shifts towards the left in the presence of which ions.

Shifting left means stabilizing Cu+Cu^+Cu+ relative to Cu2+Cu^{2+}Cu2+.


  1. Use the idea of complex formation

If a ligand forms a stable complex with Cu+Cu^+Cu+, then Cu+Cu^+Cu+ is removed from free solution and becomes more stable. By Le Chatelier's principle, this will oppose disproportionation and shift equilibrium to the left.

If a ligand instead stabilizes Cu2+Cu^{2+}Cu2+ more strongly, the equilibrium would shift to the right.

So we examine which ligands preferentially stabilize Cu+Cu^+Cu+.


  1. Nature of Cu+Cu^+Cu+ and Cu2+Cu^{2+}Cu2+
  • Cu+Cu^+Cu+ is a soft acid.
  • Cu2+Cu^{2+}Cu2+ is relatively harder than Cu+Cu^+Cu+.

According to HSAB principle:

  • Soft ligands stabilize Cu+Cu^+Cu+ strongly.
  • Hard ligands are less favorable for Cu+Cu^+Cu+.

Now check each ligand.


  1. Option A: NO3−NO_3^-NO3−​

NO3−NO_3^-NO3−​ is a weakly coordinating, relatively hard oxygen-donor ligand. It does not strongly stabilize Cu+Cu^+Cu+.

So it does not shift the equilibrium to the left.

A is incorrect.


  1. Option B: Cl−Cl^-Cl−

Cl−Cl^-Cl− forms complexes such as [CuCl2]−[CuCl_2]^-[CuCl2​]− with Cu+Cu^+Cu+ and helps stabilize cuprous ion in solution.

Thus Cu+Cu^+Cu+ becomes more stable, so the equilibrium shifts left.

B is correct.


  1. Option C: SCN−SCN^-SCN−

SCN−SCN^-SCN− is a soft/polarizable ligand and stabilizes Cu+Cu^+Cu+ effectively through complex formation.

Hence the equilibrium shifts towards the left.

C is correct.


  1. Option D: CN−CN^-CN−

CN−CN^-CN− forms very stable cuprous cyanide complexes such as [Cu(CN)2]−[Cu(CN)_2]^-[Cu(CN)2​]−, strongly stabilizing Cu+Cu^+Cu+.

Therefore disproportionation is suppressed and equilibrium shifts left.

D is correct.


  1. Final derived answer

The ions that shift

2Cu+⇌Cu+Cu2+2Cu^+ \rightleftharpoons Cu + Cu^{2+}2Cu+⇌Cu+Cu2+

towards the left are:

Cl−, SCN−, CN−\boxed{Cl^-,\ SCN^-,\ CN^-}Cl−, SCN−, CN−​

So the correct options are:

B, C, D\boxed{B,\ C,\ D}B, C, D​


  1. Comparison with stored correct answer

Stored correct answer: B,C,DB, C, DB,C,D

My derived answer: B,C,DB, C, DB,C,D

They match.

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