In the copper reduction methods, what is the initial product formed when glucose reduces copper sulfate?

In the copper reduction methods, what is the initial product formed when glucose reduces copper sulfate?

• A. Cuprous oxide
• B. Copper metal
• C. Cupric oxide
• D. Copper sulfate remains

Answer: (A)

Reducing sugars like glucose donate electrons to copper(II) in copper sulfate under the alkaline, heated conditions used in Benedict’s-type tests. The first reduction step converts Cu2+ to Cu+, which appears as copper(I) oxide, Cu2O, as a brick-red precipitate. This is the initial product you’d observe; copper metal isn’t formed in this procedure, and copper(II) oxide would require a different redox pathway. So the initial product formed is cuprous oxide, Cu2O.

Reducing sugars like glucose donate electrons to copper(II) in copper sulfate under the alkaline, heated conditions used in Benedict’s-type tests. The first reduction step converts Cu2+ to Cu+, which appears as copper(I) oxide, Cu2O, as a brick-red precipitate. This is the initial product you’d observe; copper metal isn’t formed in this procedure, and copper(II) oxide would require a different redox pathway. So the initial product formed is cuprous oxide, Cu2O.