Here's why:
* Lithium is in group 1 of the periodic table, meaning it has a +1 charge as a cation (Li+).
* Chlorine is in group 17 of the periodic table, meaning it has a -1 charge as an anion (Cl-).
* To form a neutral compound, one lithium ion (Li+) combines with one chlorine ion (Cl-) resulting in the formula LiCl.