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. Identify the types of elements involved: Gallium (Ga) is a metal, and chlorine (Cl) is a non-metal.
2. Recall that compounds formed between metals and non-metals are typically ionic, while those formed between non-metals are typically covalent.
3. Consider the physical properties: Ionic compounds generally have high melting and boiling points, while covalent compounds have lower melting and boiling points.
4. Compare the given melting and boiling points (77°C and 201°C) to typical values for ionic and covalent compounds to determine the nature of the compound.
5. Determine the likely formula by considering the common oxidation states: Gallium typically forms Ga^3+ ions, and chlorine forms Cl^- ions, suggesting a formula of GaCl3.

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 gallium-chlorine compound.

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 bonding interactions, which can help identify its nature.

Chemical Formulas and Stoichiometry

A chemical formula represents the types and numbers of atoms in a compound. For gallium and chlorine, gallium typically forms a +3 ion (Ga³⁺) and chlorine forms a -1 ion (Cl⁻). The likely formula for the compound would be GaCl₃, indicating that three chloride ions balance one gallium ion, which is consistent with the properties of ionic compounds.