Question

What is the chemical formula of phosgene, a notorious chemical weapon used in World War I? A) CO B) Cl2 C) COCl2 D) CO2

Answer 1

The answer would be C.

Phosvene has the chemical formula COCI2 because it is a compound consisting of one carbon atom, one oxygen atom, and two chlorine atoms.

The arrangement of atoms in the molecule is such that the carbon atom is double-bonded to the oxygen atom and single-bonded to both chlorine atoms.

Hence the chemical stucture is correctly represented by answer C.

Answer 2

`\sf C) \:\:COCl_2`

Step-by-step explanation:

The chemical formula of phosgene is
`\sf COCl_2`. It is a colorless, toxic gas that was used as a chemical weapon in World War I. Phosgene is also used in the production of polyurethane and polycarbonate plastics.

The other answer choices are incorrect

• CO is carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that is produced by incomplete combustion.
• 
  `\sf Cl_2` is chlorine, a toxic gas that is used in bleach and other disinfectants.
• 
  `\sf CO_2` is carbon dioxide, a harmless gas that is produced by respiration and combustion.

Phosgene is a very dangerous chemical, and it should only be handled by trained professionals.

Therefore answer is:

`\sf C) \:\:COCl_2`