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What is the correct formula unit for the ionic compound, mercury(I) chloride?

? Hg2Cl2
? HgCl
? HgCl2
? Hg2Cl
? Hg2Cl4

1 answer

The correct formula unit for mercury(I) chloride is Hg₂Cl₂. This is because mercury(I) exists as a dimer (Hg₂²⁺), meaning two mercury atoms are bonded together with a +1 charge overall, balancing the charge of two chloride ions (Cl⁻).