What is the Difference Between CuSO4 and CuSO4 5H2O?

The main difference between CuSO4 and CuSO4 5H2O lies in their hydration states. Both CuSO4 and CuSO4 5H2O are forms of the same chemical compound, Copper (II) Sulfate, but they differ in the number of water molecules associated with them.

• CuSO4: This is the anhydrous form of Copper (II) Sulfate, meaning it contains no water molecules.
• CuSO4 5H2O: This is the hydrated form of Copper (II) Sulfate, containing five water molecules associated with the compound.

Another difference between the two is their appearance. CuSO4 5H2O has a bright blue color and a crystalline structure, while CuSO4 has a gray-white color and is available in powder form. The molar mass of CuSO4 is 159.62 g/mol, while that of CuSO4 5H2O is 249.685 g/mol. When copper sulfate pentahydrate absorbs water from the air, it becomes the anhydrous form.

Comparative Table: CuSO4 vs CuSO4 5H2O

The key difference between CuSO4 and CuSO4 5H2O lies in their hydration states. Here is a table comparing the two compounds:

CuSO4 is the anhydrous form of copper(II) sulfate, meaning it contains no water molecules. On the other hand, CuSO4 5H2O is the hydrated form of copper(II) sulfate, with 5 water molecules associated with the compound. The hydration state of CuSO4 5H2O gives it a crystalline structure, while CuSO4 has an amorphous structure.