What is the formula for copper(II) chloride?

A. [tex]Cu_2Cl_2[/tex]
B. [tex]Cu_2Cl[/tex]
C. [tex]Cld[/tex]
D. [tex]CuCl_2[/tex]



Answer :

To determine the correct formula for copper(II) chloride, let's follow these steps:

1. Identify the elements involved: Copper(II) chloride is composed of copper (Cu) and chlorine (Cl).

2. Determine the oxidation state of copper: The Roman numeral II in copper(II) chloride indicates that copper has an oxidation state of +2.

3. Determine the usual charge of chlorine ions: Chlorine typically forms a chloride ion with a charge of -1.

4. Balance the charges to form a neutral compound:
- Since copper has a +2 charge (Cu²⁺) and chloride has a -1 charge (Cl⁻), you need two chloride ions to balance the charge of one copper ion.
- This results in the chemical formula: CuCl₂.

Thus, the correct formula for copper(II) chloride is [tex]\( CuCl_2 \)[/tex].