I have identified the compound type for CaCl2. It is an ionic compound. Here's why:
1. Ionic Compound: CaCl2 consists of a metal (calcium) and a non-metal (chlorine). In this compound, calcium loses two electrons to form a Ca2+ cation, while two chlorine atoms gain one electron each to form Cl- anions. The electrostatic attraction between these ions holds them together in a crystal lattice structure.
2. Main Group Ionic: Since calcium is an element from the main group of the periodic table, it falls under the category of main group ionic compounds. Main group elements are found in the s and p blocks of the periodic table.
3. Example: In the case of CaCl2, calcium (Ca) is a main group element and forms an ionic bond with chlorine (Cl), another non-metal.
Therefore, CaCl2 is an ionic main group compound.