Question

The hydrated cupric chloride is strongly heated. Which of the following statement(s) is(are) correct for this?
(A) It is reduced to $C{{u}_{2}}C{{l}_{2}}$
(B) Cupric acid is formed along with $C{{u}_{2}}C{{l}_{2}}$
(C) Only $C{{l}_{2}}$ is liberated
(D) $C{{l}_{2}}$ and HCl both are liberated

Answer 1

This question will have multiple correct answers as the question represents the changes taking place or the results after strongly heating a compound.

Complete answer:
Let us gather the information about the chlorides of copper primarily,
Copper (II) chloride is a light brown solid with a chemical formula as $CuC{{l}_{2}}$. This will absorb moisture to form a dihydrate bluish-green in colour.
The hydrated cupric chloride is $3CuC{{l}_{2}}.2{{H}_{2}}O$. When this is strongly heated;
1. It is reduced to $C{{u}_{2}}C{{l}_{2}}$
2. Cupric acid is formed along with $C{{u}_{2}}C{{l}_{2}}$
3. $C{{l}_{2}}$ and HCl both are liberated
This is shown by a reaction as follows,
$3CuC{{l}_{2}}.2{{H}_{2}}O\xrightarrow[Strongly-heated]{\Delta }CuO+CuC{{l}_{2}}+2HCl+C{{l}_{2}}+{{H}_{2}}O$
Thus, we can say that,
Hydrated cupric chloride when heated strongly, is reduced to $C{{u}_{2}}C{{l}_{2}}$. CuO i.e. cupric acid/oxide is formed along with $C{{u}_{2}}C{{l}_{2}}$. Also, $C{{l}_{2}}$ and HCl is liberated during the reaction.
Therefore, here three options are correct i.e.
(A) It is reduced to $C{{u}_{2}}C{{l}_{2}}$
(B) Cupric acid is formed along with $C{{u}_{2}}C{{l}_{2}}$
(D) $C{{l}_{2}}$ and HCl both are liberated

Note:
Note that copper form two stable chlorides i.e.
1. Copper (I) chloride also known as cuprous chloride with molecular formula CuCl (mineral name - nantokite).
2. Copper (II) chloride also known as cupric chloride with molecular formula $CuC{{l}_{2}}$ (mineral name - eriochalcite).