Question

What is the correct name for the ionic compound, CrCl3?
? chromous chloride
? chromium(II) chloride
? chromium(III) trichloride
? chlorine(III) chromide
? chromic chloride

Answer 1

The correct name for the ionic compound CrCl3 is **chromium(III) chloride**.

In this compound, chromium has a +3 oxidation state, which is indicated by the Roman numeral III, and it is combined with three chloride ions, each having a -1 charge. Therefore, the correct nomenclature reflects the +3 oxidation state of chromium.

Additionally, "chromic chloride" is also an acceptable alternative name for CrCl3, but "chromium(III) chloride" is the more precise and formal IUPAC name.