What is the oxidation state of Copper when it is Cu(2+)?

Copper in the form of Cu(2+) has an oxidation state of +2. This designation indicates that the copper ion has lost two electrons compared to its neutral elemental state, where the oxidation state would be 0.

In chemistry, the oxidation state reflects the total number of electrons that an atom either gains or loses to form a compound. In the case of Cu(2+), the positive charge signifies that copper has relinquished two electrons, meaning it is in a higher oxidation state than its neutral form. This is important for understanding electron transfer processes, such as in redox reactions, where the oxidation state helps determine how an element will interact with others in chemical reactions.