How does oxalate bind to copper in copper II oxalate?

Answer 1

Copper oxalate is supposed to be a ribbon-like molecule where each copper 2+ ions are surrounded by four oxygen atoms in a square plan. These four oxygen atoms involve two oxalate anions. A copper II oxalate molecule can be described as an infinite ribbon of alternatively copper (Cu 2+) and oxalate (C2O4 2-) groups.

Each copper 2+ cation is linked by two oxalate groups by weak electrostatic interactions with the four oxygen atoms.

Answer 2

Oxalate binds to copper in copper II oxalate through coordination bonds, where the oxygen atoms in the oxalate ion donate electron pairs to form bonds with the copper ion. This results in the formation of a stable complex where the copper ion is surrounded by the oxalate ligands.