What is the name of CuSO3?

To understand the correct nomenclature of CuSO3, it's essential to analyze the components of the compound. Copper (Cu) can have multiple oxidation states, commonly +1 and +2, while the sulfite ion (SO3) carries a -2 charge.

In the case of CuSO3, the copper must assume a +2 oxidation state to balance the -2 charge of the sulfite ion. Therefore, the correct naming convention involves indicating the oxidation state of copper in the name. When copper is in the +2 oxidation state, it is commonly named as "copper(II)." Combined with the sulfite ion, this leads to the full name "copper(II) sulfite."

In contrast, other choices do not accurately represent the oxidation state of copper in this compound. "Copper(I) sulfite" would imply copper is in the +1 oxidation state, which does not match the charge balance in this case. "Copper sulfate" refers specifically to CuSO4, where copper is in the +2 state but combined with a sulfate ion (SO4), not sulfite. "Copper acetate" refers to a different compound entirely, involving acetate ions rather than sulfite.

Thus, the name "copper(