13 Facts on HBr-CuO: What, How To Balance & FAQs

Hydrogen bromide is a colourless gas. Cupric oxide is a black solid, also known as tenorite when in the form of a mineral. Let us study their reaction in detail.

Hydrogen bromide (HBr) or hydrobromic acid is an inorganic compound. It is an important reagent in the production of organo-bromine compounds. Cupric oxide (CuO) is an inorganic compound produced by the method of pyrometallurgy. It finds its application as a pigment in ceramics.

This article elaborates on the nature of reaction, enthalpy and few more aspects of given compounds.

What is the product of HBr and CuO?

Copper dibromide (CuBr₂) and water (H₂O) are formed when cupric oxide (CuO) reacts with hydrobromic acid i.e. hydrogen bromide (HBr).

CuO + 2 HBr → H₂O + CuBr₂        

What type of reaction is HBr + CuO?

HBr + CuO is an acid-base reaction i.e. neutralization reaction. Also, it is a double displacement reaction.

How to balance HBr + CuO?

The unbalanced equation for the reaction HBr + CuO is

CuO + HBr → H₂O + CuBr₂      

To balance the equation, follow the steps given below.

• Here, except for Cu and O, the number of atoms of H and Br are not the same on left hand side and right hand side of the equation.

• The number of Br atoms, before and after the reaction are 1 and 2, respectively.

• CuO + HBr → H₂O + CuBr₂      

• Now, multiply HBr with 2 so that number of Br atoms on both the sides becomes equal.

• CuO + 2HBr → H₂O + CuBr₂

• Now, the number of H atoms, on left hand side and right hand side are 2 and 2, respectively.

• That is, the number of hydrogen atoms is balanced on both sides of the reaction.

• Therefore, the balanced equation is as follows.

• CuO + 2HBr → H₂O + CuBr₂      

HBr + CuO conjugate pairs

The conjugate pairs of the reaction HBr + CuO are as follows.

• Conjugate acid of HBr: H₃O⁺
• Conjugate base of HBr: Br^–

HBr + CuO intermolecular forces

Dipole-dipole interactions, hydrogen bonding forces and ion induced dipole forces are the intermolecular forces acting on HBr and CuO.

HBr + CuO reaction enthalpy

The net enthalpy of reaction of HBr and CuO is -196.53 kJ/mol. It is calculated from the enthalpy data given in the table below.

Compounds	Enthalpy (∆Hf°) in kJ/mol
HBr	(-36.29)×2
CuO	-157.3
CuBr2	-141.8
H2O	-285.83
Net enthalpy	= -196.53

• Reaction Enthalpy = Σ∆H_f°(products) – Σ∆H_f° (reactants)

• =[(-141.8) + (-285.83)] – [(-36.29×2)+(-157.3)]

• = -196.53 kJ/mol

Is HBr + CuO a buffer solution?

HBr + CuO is not a buffer solution because they react to form salt and water.

Is HBr + CuO a complete reaction?

HBr + CuO is a complete reaction, since reactants are completely consumed to yield products CuBr₂  and H₂O.

Is HBr + CuO an exothermic or endothermic reaction?

HBr + CuO is an exothermic reaction since the enthalpy of reaction is negative (∆H=-196.53 kJ/mol), i.e. temperature of reaction increases.

Is HBr + CuO a redox reaction?

HBr + CuO is not a redox reaction because the oxidation state of elements remains the same throughout the reaction.

Is HBr + CuO a precipitation reaction?

HBr + CuO is not a precipitation reaction because, CuBr₂ formed is black in colour, sinks and is soluble in water.

Is HBr + CuO reversible or irreversible reaction?

At ambient conditions, HBr + CuO is not a reversible reaction as it proceeds in forward direction only.

Is HBr + CuO displacement reaction?

HBr + CuO is a double displacement reaction. Copper reacts with bromine group to form cupric bromide (CuBr₂), whereas hydrogen reacts with water to form water (H₂O), where Oxygen is displaced by bromine and hydrogen is displaced by copper.

Conclusion

The reaction of hydrobromic acid with cupric oxide is a double displacement reaction which yields water and cupric bromide as products. Cupric bromide is an important bromination agent used in the synthesis of organic compounds. It is soluble in water and is a strong electrolyte.