Question
Explain why $Cu^+$ ion is not stable in aqueous solutions?

Answer

In an aqueous medium, $Cu^{2+}$ is more stable than $Cu^+.$ This is because although energy is required to remove one electron from $Cu^+$ to $Cu^{2+}$, high hydration energy of $Cu^{2+}$ compensates for it. Therefore, $Cu^+$ ion in an aqueous solution is unstable. It disproportionate to give $Cu^{2+}$ and $Cu.$
$2\text{Cu}^+_{(\text{aq})}\rightarrow\text{Cu}^+_{(\text{aq})}+\text{Cu}_{(\text{s})}$

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