Solution Found!
The compound CaCl2 is named calcium chloride; the compound
Chapter 5, Problem 18QP(choose chapter or problem)
The compound \(\mathrm{CaCl}_{2}\) is named calcium chloride; the compound \(\mathrm{CuCl}_{2}\) is named copper(II) chloride. Explain why a Roman numeral is used in one name but not in the other.
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
The compound \(\mathrm{CaCl}_{2}\) is named calcium chloride; the compound \(\mathrm{CuCl}_{2}\) is named copper(II) chloride. Explain why a Roman numeral is used in one name but not in the other.
ANSWER:Step 1 of 2
The use of Roman numerals in a chemical name indicates the oxidation state, or valence, of the cation in the compound.
In the case of copper(II) chloride (CuCl2), the Roman numeral "II" indicates that the copper ion (Cu2+) has a charge of +2. This is necessary because copper can form ions with different charges, such as Cu+ and Cu2+. Therefore, to avoid ambiguity, the Roman numeral is used to specify the oxidation state of the copper ion.