What is the correct name for the ionic compound $KCl$ (KCl)?

• A. Potassium chlorite
• B. Potassium(II) chloride
• C. Chlorine potassium
• D. Potassium chloride

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements in the compound KCl: potassium (K) and chlorine (Cl).
2. Recognize that KCl is an ionic compound formed between a metal (potassium) and a nonmetal (chlorine).
3. Name the metal (potassium) first, using its elemental name as it is a Group 1 metal with a fixed charge of +1, so no Roman numeral is needed.
4. Name the nonmetal (chlorine) by changing its ending to '-ide', resulting in 'chloride'.
5. Combine the names of the metal and the nonmetal to form the correct name: 'potassium chloride'.