Question

Which of the following represent the compound $CuC{l}_2$?

• A. Copper(I) chloride
• B. Copper(II) chloride
• C. Cupric chloride
• D. Cuprous chloride

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

The correct options are
B Copper(II) chloride
C Cupric chloride

$\bullet$ In $CuC{l}_2$ the valency of copper is two and that of chlorine is one.
$\bullet$ Copper shows variable valencies of one and two.
$\bullet$ When an atom shows two valencies, its name ends with-'-ous' for lower valency, with '-ic' for higher one
$\bullet$ Thus, copper exhibiting lower valency is known as cuprous and with higher valency is known as cupric.
$\bullet$ Hence, the name of the compound $CuC{l}_2$ is copper(II) chloride or cupric chloride.