Question

Which is the correct lewis structure for barium chloride? which is the correct lewis structure for barium chloride? ..2ba2+[:cl:]− .. ..ba:cl: .. .. ..:ba:cl: .. .. ..ba2+2[:cl:]− .?

Answer 1

As Barium belongs to Group II elements (Alkaine Earth Metals), it has two valence electrons in 6 shell, Hence it capable of loosing two electrons and adopting +2 charge as,

                                      Ba    →  Ba⁺²  + 2 e⁻

And Chlorine belongs to Group VII elements (Halogens), it has seven valence electrons in 3rd shell, Hence it is capable of accepting one electron and adopting -1 charge as,

                                       Cl  +  e⁻    →    Cl⁻

Now, for the formation of Barium Chloride we need 2 chloride ions and one Barium cation, as two -1 and one +2 charge can add to form a neutral molecule. Hence,

                                    Ba⁺²  +  2 Cl⁻    →  BaCl₂