The name and formula of the compound of magnesium, chlorine and oxygen used as a drying agent is

Options

A. Magnesium oxychlorite, `Mg(OCl)_(2)`
B. Magnesium chlorate, `Mg(ClO_(3))_(2)`
C. Magnesium chlorate, `Mg(ClO_(4))_(2)`
D. None of the above

Explanation

To determine the name and formula of the compound of magnesium, chlorine, and oxygen that is used as a drying agent, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the elements involved
The elements mentioned in the question are magnesium (Mg), chlorine (Cl), and oxygen (O).

### Step 2: Determine the common compounds formed by these elements
Magnesium can form various compounds with chlorine and oxygen. One common compound that includes these elements is magnesium perchlorate.

### Step 3: Write the formula for magnesium perchlorate
The formula for magnesium perchlorate is derived from the individual components:
- Magnesium (Mg) has a +2 oxidation state.
- Perchlorate ion (ClO4^-) has a -1 oxidation state.

Since magnesium has a +2 charge, we need two perchlorate ions to balance the charge. Therefore, the formula for magnesium perchlorate is:
\[ \text{Mg(ClO}_4\text{)}_2 \]

### Step 4: Identify the hydrated form of the compound
The question specifies that this compound is used as a drying agent, which implies that it is in a hydrated form. The hydrated form of magnesium perchlorate is:
\[ \text{Mg(ClO}_4\text{)}_2 \cdot 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \]

### Step 5: State the name and formula of the compound
Thus, the name of the compound is magnesium perchlorate, and its formula is:
\[ \text{Mg(ClO}_4\text{)}_2 \cdot 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \]

### Final Answer
The name and formula of the compound of magnesium, chlorine, and oxygen used as a drying agent is:
**Magnesium perchlorate, Mg(ClO4)2 · 6H2O.**

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