Question

What is the correct name for the ionic compound, CuCl2?
a copper(I) chloride
b copper(I) dichloride
c cuprous chloride
d cupric dichloride
e cupric chloride

Answer 1

The correct name for the ionic compound CuCl₂ is **e. cupric chloride**.

In this case, the term "cupric" refers to copper in its +2 oxidation state, which is appropriate because the compound contains two chloride ions (each with a -1 charge) for a total of -2 charge, balancing the +2 charge of copper.