Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for arsenic pentafluoride?

• A. As5F
• B. As2F5
• C. AsF5
• D. AsF3

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the elements involved and their typical valences. Arsenic (As) is a group 15 element and commonly forms compounds where it has a +5 oxidation state, while fluorine (F) is a halogen that almost always has a -1 oxidation state.
2. Step 2: Understand the meaning of the name 'arsenic pentafluoride'. The prefix 'penta-' means five, indicating that there are five fluorine atoms bonded to one arsenic atom.
3. Step 3: Write the chemical formula by placing the symbol for arsenic (As) first, followed by the symbol for fluorine (F) with the subscript 5 to indicate five fluorine atoms: \(AsF_5\).
4. Step 4: Confirm that the formula is electrically neutral by checking the oxidation states: arsenic at +5 and five fluorines at -1 each, summing to zero overall charge.
5. Step 5: Compare the options given and select the formula that matches the correct stoichiometry and naming convention, which is \(AsF_5\).