Classify each of the following as ionic or molecular, and name each: (6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5) b. Cl₂O₇

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the types of elements present in Cl₂O₇. Chlorine (Cl) and oxygen (O) are both nonmetals.
2. Recognize that compounds formed between nonmetals are typically molecular (covalent) compounds.
3. Since Cl₂O₇ is composed of nonmetals, classify it as a molecular compound.
4. To name a molecular compound, use prefixes to indicate the number of each type of atom. 'Di-' for two chlorine atoms and 'hepta-' for seven oxygen atoms.
5. Combine the prefixes with the element names to name the compound: dichlorine heptoxide.

Key Concepts

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed through the electrostatic attraction between positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). They typically consist of a metal and a non-metal, resulting in a crystalline structure with high melting and boiling points. Common examples include sodium chloride (NaCl) and magnesium oxide (MgO).

Molecular Compounds

Molecular compounds are formed when two or more non-metals share electrons through covalent bonds. These compounds can exist as discrete molecules and often have lower melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds. Water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are classic examples of molecular compounds.

Naming Conventions

The naming of chemical compounds follows specific conventions based on their structure and composition. Ionic compounds are named by combining the names of the cation and anion, while molecular compounds use prefixes to indicate the number of atoms present. For example, Cl₂O₇ is named dichlorine heptoxide, reflecting its molecular nature and the number of chlorine and oxygen atoms.