Question #597fc

1 Answer
Oct 20, 2014

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)