Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for lithium chlorate?

• A. LiClO4
• B. Li2CO3
• C. LiCl
• D. LiClO3

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the components of the compound name: 'lithium chlorate' consists of lithium (Li) and the chlorate ion.
2. Recall that lithium is an alkali metal with a charge of +1, so its ion is Li\(\u\)207a.
3. Identify the chlorate ion, which is a polyatomic ion with the formula ClO\(\u\)2083\(\u\)207b and a charge of -1.
4. Since lithium has a +1 charge and chlorate has a -1 charge, they combine in a 1:1 ratio to form a neutral compound.
5. Write the chemical formula by combining Li\(\u\)207a and ClO\(\u\)2083\(\u\)207b without any additional subscripts, resulting in LiClO\(\u\)2083.