What is the formula for zinc chloride with a formula weight of 138.28 amu?
February 20th, 2023
The molecular formula for zinc chloride is ##ZnCl_2##.
The most common formal oxidation state of zinc is +2, and the most common oxidation state of chlorine is -1. In order to form a neutral molecule, two chlorine atoms are required for each zinc atom.
The molar mass of zinc chloride is:
1 ##Zn## atom – 65.409 g/mol
2 ##Cl## atoms – ##2 times 35.453## = 70.906 g/mol
Total = 136.315 g/mol
(close to the value quoted in the question)
