A compound of gallium with chlorine has a melting point of 77°C and a boiling point of 201°C. Is the compound ionic or covalent? What is a likely formula?

Verified step by step guidance

1. insert step 1> Identify the elements involved in the compound: Gallium (Ga) and Chlorine (Cl).
2. insert step 2> Consider the properties of the compound: melting point of 77°C and boiling point of 201°C.
3. insert step 3> Compare these properties with typical characteristics of ionic and covalent compounds. Ionic compounds usually have higher melting and boiling points than covalent compounds.
4. insert step 4> Analyze the position of Gallium and Chlorine in the periodic table. Gallium is a metal and Chlorine is a non-metal, which often leads to ionic bonding.
5. insert step 5> Determine the likely formula based on the charges of the ions. Gallium typically forms a +3 charge (Ga^{3+}) and Chlorine forms a -1 charge (Cl^{-}), leading to the formula GaCl_3.

Key Concepts

Ionic vs. Covalent Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in charged ions that attract each other. They typically have high melting and boiling points due to strong electrostatic forces. In contrast, covalent compounds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, leading to lower melting and boiling points. Understanding these differences is crucial for determining the nature of the compound in question.

Melting and Boiling Points

The melting point is the temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid, while the boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid becomes a gas. High melting and boiling points often indicate strong intermolecular forces, which are characteristic of ionic compounds. In this case, the compound's melting point of 77°C and boiling point of 201°C suggest significant intermolecular interactions, hinting at its ionic nature.

Chemical Formulas

A chemical formula represents the elements in a compound and their respective ratios. For ionic compounds, the formula is typically derived from the charges of the ions involved. In the case of gallium and chlorine, gallium typically forms a +3 ion (Ga³⁺) and chlorine forms a -1 ion (Cl⁻), leading to a likely formula of GaCl₃, which reflects the stoichiometry needed to balance the charges.