Naming Molecular Compounds

What are the rules for naming binary molecular compounds?

• Using Roman numerals to indicate the charge of each element in the compound

• Using suffixes to indicate the number of each element present in the compound

• Using only the first element's name without any prefixes

• Using prefixes to indicate the number of each element present in the compound, with the second element's name ending in -ide.

Answer explanation

The rules for naming binary molecular compounds involve using prefixes to indicate the number of each element present in the compound, with the second element's name ending in -ide.

When naming molecular compounds, when do we use prefixes?

• We use prefixes when the compound contains a metal and a nonmetal.

• We use prefixes when there are multiple atoms of the same element in the compound.

• We use prefixes when the compound contains only one type of atom.

• We use prefixes when the compound has a total of 10 or more atoms.

Answer explanation

We use prefixes when there are multiple atoms of the same element in the compound.

What is the prefix used for the number 4 in naming molecular compounds?

• tetra-

• hexa-

• penta-

• quadra-

Answer explanation

The prefix used for the number 4 in naming molecular compounds is 'tetra-', so the correct answer is 'tetra-'.

How do you name the compound N2O5?

• pentanitrogen oxide

• dinitrogen pentoxide

• NNO5

• nitrogen oxide

Answer explanation

The compound N2O5 is named dinitrogen pentoxide according to the IUPAC naming system for covalent compounds.

What is the name of the compound PCl3?

• Sodium chloride

• Potassium chloride

• Phosphorus trichloride

• Carbon tetrachloride

Answer explanation

The name of the compound PCl3 is Phosphorus trichloride.

What is the name of the compound CO?

• carbon dioxide

• carbon monoxide

• carbon oxide

• carbon trioxide

Answer explanation

The name of the compound CO is carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless gas and is highly toxic. It is formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels.

What is the name of the compound SF6?

• Sodium fluoride

• Silicon fluoride

• Sulfur dioxide

• Sulfur hexafluoride

Answer explanation

The name of the compound SF6 is Sulfur hexafluoride, so the correct choice is 'Sulfur hexafluoride'.

What is the name of the compound N2O?

• nitrogen dioxide

• nitric oxide

• nitrogen monoxide

• nitrous oxide

Answer explanation

The name of the compound N2O is nitrous oxide.

What is the name of the compound SO3?

• Sulfur trioxide

• Sodium oxide

• Carbon monoxide

• Silicon dioxide

Answer explanation

The name of the compound SO3 is Sulfur trioxide, making it the correct choice.

What is the name of the compound P2O5?

• pentaphosphorus oxide

• diphosphorus oxide

• diphosphorus pentoxide

• phosphorus oxide

Answer explanation

The name of the compound P2O5 is diphosphorus pentoxide, which corresponds to the correct answer choice.