What is the name of CuOH?

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Study for the IMAT Chemistry Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions; hints and explanations included for each question. Prepare effectively for your exam.

Multiple Choice

What is the name of CuOH?

Explanation:
The key idea is assigning oxidation states from the formula. In CuOH, the hydroxide ion carries a -1 charge, so to balance to a neutral compound the copper must be +1. That puts copper in the +1 oxidation state, so the proper name uses the oxidation state in parentheses: copper(I) hydroxide. This differs from the more familiar Cu(OH)2, where copper is +2. Saying just “copper hydroxide” is ambiguous and can imply the Cu(OH)2 form, which would be incorrect for CuOH. While “cuprous hydroxide” also indicates +1, the preferred formal name is copper(I) hydroxide. The option that mentions an oxide component isn’t appropriate for this formula.

The key idea is assigning oxidation states from the formula. In CuOH, the hydroxide ion carries a -1 charge, so to balance to a neutral compound the copper must be +1. That puts copper in the +1 oxidation state, so the proper name uses the oxidation state in parentheses: copper(I) hydroxide. This differs from the more familiar Cu(OH)2, where copper is +2. Saying just “copper hydroxide” is ambiguous and can imply the Cu(OH)2 form, which would be incorrect for CuOH. While “cuprous hydroxide” also indicates +1, the preferred formal name is copper(I) hydroxide. The option that mentions an oxide component isn’t appropriate for this formula.

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