Q:
What type of bond is calcium chloride?
A:
Quick Answer
Calcium chloride, or CaCl2, is composed of two Cl- anions ionically bound to a central calcium atom. Calcium has a 2+ charge, and the two chlorine ions each have a 1- charge. Forming ionic bonds with calcium, the chlorine ions achieve full valence electron shells and satisfy the octet rule.
Continue Reading
Credit:
Rebecca Siegel
CC-BY 2.0
Full Answer
Calcium chloride is a salt of calcium and chlorine and behaves as a typical ionic halide. CaCl2 has a linear molecular geometry, and the chlorine-calcium-chlorine bond angle is 180 degrees. The central calcium atom has two p orbitals that are empty. According to Boise State University, this makes calcium chloride an excellent drying agent since the non-bonding electron pairs of water can attach to these sites.
Learn more about Atoms & MoleculesSources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
What is the molecular shape of CH3Cl?
A: Methyl chloride (CH3Cl) has a tetrahedral shape with a bond angle of 109.5 degrees. This is because carbon has four valence electrons forming four bonds an... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is an example of an ionic bond?
A: One example of an ionic bond is table salt, which is the compound sodium chloride. Some other examples of ionic bonds include iron oxide (rust), calcium ch... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are valence electrons?
A: A valence electron is a type of electron present in an atom that works to aid in the process of chemical bond formation with other atoms. These electrons a... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is a polar bond?
A: A polar bond is a type of bond that is formed between two atoms that are sharing an electron, where one atom has a stronger attraction, or pull, on the ele... Full Answer >Filed Under:
