Question

What would be the formula for the simplest compound formed from (a) phosphorus and chlorine, (b) carbon and fluorine, and (c) iodine and chlorine?

Short answer

The simplest compound and their respective Lewisstructures are given below

(a)One of the simplest compounds ofphosphorus and chlorineis${\mathbf{PCl}}_3$

(b)One of the simplest compounds ofcarbon and fluorineis${\mathbf{CH}}_4$

(c) One of the simplest compounds of iodine and chlorine is$\mathbf{ICl}$

Step-by-step solution

Phosphorous trichloride

Phosphorous has five valence electrons. It needs three electrons to complete its octet. It shares three of its electrons with three chlorine atoms which require one electron to complete the octet

Carbon Tetrafluoride

Carbon has 4 valence electrons. It needs four electrons to complete its octet. It shares four of its electrons with four fluorine atoms which require one electron to complete the octet

Iodine Chloride

Seven valence electrons constitute iodine. It needs 1 electron to complete its octet. It shares one of its electrons with one chlorine atom which requires one electron to complete the octet.