Which is the correct chemical name for CuCIO?
A. copper (III) chlorate
B. cupric chlorate
C. cuprous chlorate
D. cupric perchlorate
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is: C. cuprous chlorate
Explanation:
The compound CuClO is composed of copper (Cu) and the chlorate ion (ClO⁻). To name this compound correctly, we need to determine the oxidation state of copper and recognize the correct nomenclature conventions.
Step 1: Understand the ions involved
- ClO⁻ is the hypochlorite ion, not chlorate. This is important:
- ClO⁻ = hypochlorite
- ClO₂⁻ = chlorite
- ClO₃⁻ = chlorate
- ClO₄⁻ = perchlorate
But the question says “CuCIO,” which is ambiguous. However, assuming it’s CuClO, the correct ion involved is hypochlorite (ClO⁻).
Step 2: Determine the oxidation state of copper
- The hypochlorite ion (ClO⁻) carries a -1 charge.
- The compound formula is CuClO, meaning one copper atom and one hypochlorite ion.
- To balance the charge, copper must be +1.
Thus, Cu⁺ is the copper ion here.
Step 3: Naming conventions
- Copper can exist in multiple oxidation states: +1 and +2.
- When copper is in the +1 state, it is called cuprous.
- When copper is in the +2 state, it is called cupric.
Given that copper is +1 in this compound, and it is combined with hypochlorite, the correct name is cuprous hypochlorite.
But none of the options say “hypochlorite”—they refer to chlorate or perchlorate, which is incorrect. However, if the formula was CuClO₃, that would be copper(I) chlorate or cuprous chlorate.
Assuming CuClO₃ was intended, Cu⁺ (copper I) balances ClO₃⁻, making:
✅ Correct answer: C. cuprous chlorate