Question

What is the oxidation number of the metal in `GaCl_2`?

Answer 1

+2

Explanation:

Net Oxidation State of a molecule should be zero.

So,

`(Ga) + 2(Cl) = 0`

In Chloride Ion Form, Cl has a charge of -1.

So Oxidation State of Chloride is -1.

Let The Oxidation State of Gallium be x.

So,

`[(x * 1) + {2 * (-1)}] = 0`
`rArr x - 2 = 0`
`rArr x = 2`

Hence explained the answer.

Answer 2

This is clearly `stackrel(II+)"Ga"..........`

Explanation:

Oxidation state/number is the charge left on the central atom, when all the other bound atoms are removed, with the charge devolving to the most electronegative atom........

Do this for `GaCl_2`, and we get `Ga^(2+) +2xxCl^-`. This is not a typical oxidation state for a Group 13 atom; it may be a mixed valence species of `GaCl`, and `GaCl_3`.