The electronic configurationo of Cu(II) is `3d^(9)` whereas that of Cu(I) is `3d^(10)`. Which of the following is correct ?

Options

A. Cu(II) is more stable
B. Cu(II) is less stable
C. `Cu(I)` and `Cu(II)` are equally stable
D. Cu(I) and Cu(II) are equally stable

Answer

A

Explanation

The stability of `Cu^(2+)` (aq) rather than
`Cu^(+)`(aq) is due to the much more negative
`Delta_(hyd) H^(0)` of `Cu^(2+)` (aq) than `Cu^(+)` (aq), which more than compensates for the `IE_(2)` of `Cu`.