GeneralCLASS 8CBSE
answered 1 Apr 2026Why is copper sulphate called?
A.VERIFIED ANSWERfact-checked by tutors
Copper sulphate is named after its constituent elements: copper (Cu) and the sulfate ion (SO4²⁻).
Chemical nomenclature follows systematic rules. The name breaks down as:
- Copper: The metal cation (Cu²⁺) present in the compound
- Sulfate: The polyatomic anion (SO₄²⁻) consisting of sulfur and oxygen
The "(II)" notation specifies copper's +2 oxidation state, distinguishing it from copper(I) compounds. Historical names like "blue vitriol" come from its blue crystalline appearance, where "vitriol" was an old term for sulfate salts.