NaCl2 is a compound of sodium in a higher oxidation state than normal. This compound does not exist. Here the sodium is present as the Na2+ ion, and the formation of this ion (with the electron configuration 1s22s22p5) would require the loss of two electrons from a sodium atom. Because the second electron must be removed from the n=2 shell, formation of Na2+ requires a substantial amount of energy.

Answer in General Chemistry for outcasted##LYNX #128640

Question #128640

what is NaCl2

Expert's answer

NaCl₂ is a compound of sodium in a higher oxidation state than normal. This compound does not exist. Here the sodium is present as the Na²⁺ ion, and the formation of this ion (with the electron configuration 1s²2s²2p⁵) would require the loss of two electrons from a sodium atom. Because the second electron must be removed from the n=2 shell, formation of Na²⁺ requires a substantial amount of energy.