What is the correct formula unit for the ionic compound, magnesium chloride?

? MgCl2
? Mg2Cl
? MgCl
? MgCl3
? MnCl2

1 answer

The correct formula unit for the ionic compound magnesium chloride is MgCl2.

In magnesium chloride, magnesium (Mg) has a +2 charge, and each chloride (Cl) has a -1 charge. Therefore, to balance the charges, two chloride ions are needed for each magnesium ion, resulting in the formula MgCl2.