Answer:
[tex]$Cu_2+(SO_3)^2 \rightleftharpoons CuSO_3 \ (insoluble)$[/tex]
[tex]$Cu_2+2(SO_3)^2 \rightleftharpoons [Cu(SO_3)_2]_2 \ (soluble)$[/tex]
Explanation:
A ligand may be defined as a molecule or an ion or that binds to the central metal atom in order to form a more coordination complex. Sulfite is one such ligand and it behaves similarly as hydroxide as a ligand.
Now, according to the question, when we react copper with sulfite ion, it forms copper sulfite. The equation is
[tex]$Cu_2+(SO_3)^2 \rightleftharpoons CuSO_3 \ (insoluble)$[/tex]
Now when excess of the sulfite ion is used in the reaction, we get a complex formation, which is shown by
[tex]$Cu_2+2(SO_3)^2 \rightleftharpoons [Cu(SO_3)_2]_2 \ (soluble)$[/tex]
The way the sulfite reacts is quite similar to hydroxide ion where they form a complex ion when hydroxide ion in excess is used in the reaction with metal cation.