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. Stability of Cu(I) and Cu(II) depends on nature of copper salts

Answer

D

Explanation

`Cu^(2+)` is more stable in aqueous solution because of its higher hydration energy than `Cu^(+)`.
The stability in gaseous phase can be compared by using HSAB principle. `Cu^(2+)` is .hard. cation and `Cu^(+)` is .solf. cation. For instance, `Cl^(-)` is hard anion and `I^(-)` is a soft anion. So `CuCl_2` (hard cation and hard anion) is more stable than CuCl but `CuI_2` is less stable than CuI (Soft cation and soft anion).
Hence stability of `Cu(I) and Cu(II) depends on nature of copper salt and the environment (medium) in which it exists.