Decomposition of a Hydrate

Decomposition of a Hydrate tutorial

Hydrates are compounds that readily absorb water into their crystal structure. When a hydrate decomposes, water is removed. The general pattern of a decomposition of a hydrate reaction is:
AB*xH2O --> AB + xH2O
Look at the example below.
Example #1:
BaI2 * 2H2O(s) --> BaI2(s) + 2H2O(l)
Barium iodide dihydrate decomposes (usually by adding heat) to release water vapor.

Now let’s go step by step.
Predict the products when solid copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate decomposes.

Description of Action	Action
1. Write the formula for the given reactant.	CuSO4 * 5H2O(s) -->
2. On the products side of the equation, separate the water from the salt with a plus sign. The formula of the salt is unchanged. The number of water molecules in the hydrate formula should be used as the coefficient for the water molecule.	CuSO4 * 5H2O(s) --> CuSO4(s) + 5H2O(g)