Final answer:
To classify compounds based on the chlorine content, one must consider their molecular composition. Single chlorine atoms represent atomic elements, while multiple chlorine atoms in a substance like CCl4 or S2Cl2 indicate molecular compounds. The presence of chlorine with carbon categorizes them as organic or inorganic based on their composition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Classifying compounds based on the number of chlorine atoms involves first understanding the electron configuration of chlorine. A chlorine atom has an electron configuration of [Ne]3s²3p⁵ with seven valence electrons. When it bonds with other atoms, it can form various types of compounds.
For a single chlorine atom, we are describing an atomic element. When two chlorine atoms bond together, as in Cl₂, it forms a molecular element because it consists of a diatomic molecule made of the same element. If we refer to a compound like CCl₄, this is a molecular compound, also known as carbon tetrachloride, because it contains more than one type of atom.
In a chlorine molecule (Cl₂), there are a total of fourteen valence electrons, with each chlorine having a full octet that resembles the electron configuration of the noble gas argon. This molecule is held together by a pure covalent bond.
Another example provided is sulfur monochloride, with the formula S₂Cl₂, which is also considered an inorganic compound and a molecular compound as it does not consist mostly of carbon and hydrogen and contains two types of nonmetal atoms bonded together.
Finally, if we look at the molecular formula for ethylene glycol, C₂H₆O₂, we recognize it as an organic compound due to the presence of carbon and hydrogen atoms. It is specifically categorized as a molecular compound because it contains different elements in its structure.