What is the correct name for the binary ionic compound formed from lithium and chlorine?

• A. Lithium chlorite
• B. Lithium chloride
• C. Lithium dichloride
• D. Lithium chlorate

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements involved in the compound: lithium (Li) and chlorine (Cl).
2. Determine the charges of the ions formed by each element: lithium typically forms a +1 cation (Li\^{+}), and chlorine typically forms a -1 anion (Cl\^{-}).
3. Since the charges are +1 and -1, they combine in a 1:1 ratio to form a neutral compound.
4. Name the compound by writing the cation name first (lithium) followed by the anion name, which is derived from chlorine by changing the ending to '-ide', resulting in 'chloride'.
5. Combine the names to get the correct name of the binary ionic compound: lithium chloride.