Can a solution contain only cations?

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In an aqueous solution, Cu2+ cannot exist as the only ionic species without accompanying anions, such as nitrate, due to the requirement for electrical neutrality. While a small drop may exhibit a slight charge, a bulk solution cannot consist solely of cations or anions. Any charged entity will discharge upon interaction, reinforcing the necessity of balancing cations with anions in solution.
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For example, can Cu2+ be the only ionic species present in an aqeuous solution, without anions such as nitrate. (Hydroxide ions ignored)
 
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No, solutions are always electrically neutral.

That is, it is possible for a small drop to have a small charge, but nothing close to bulk solution containing only cations or only anions. Just like any charged object it will discharge at first occasion.
 
abcd8989 said:
For example, can Cu2+ be the only ionic species present in an aqeuous solution, without anions such as nitrate. (Hydroxide ions ignored)
In case you succedeed to make it, I would strongly advise you to stay many metres apart :smile:
 

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