What is the correct formula unit for the ionic compound, cobalt(II) chloride?

? Co2Cl
? CoCl
? CoCl4
? CoCl2
? Co2Cl2

1 answer

The correct formula unit for cobalt(II) chloride is CoClâ‚‚.

In cobalt(II) chloride, cobalt has a +2 oxidation state, and each chloride ion (Cl) has a -1 oxidation state. Therefore, two chloride ions are needed to balance the +2 charge of one cobalt ion, resulting in the formula CoClâ‚‚.