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

? PbCl
? PbCl4
? LdCl2
? PbCl2
? Pb2Cl

1 answer

The correct formula unit for the ionic compound lead(II) chloride is PbCl₂.

In lead(II) chloride, lead has a +2 oxidation state, and each chloride ion (Cl) has a -1 oxidation state. Therefore, to balance the charges, you need two chloride ions for every lead ion, resulting in the formula PbCl₂.