Name these binary covalent compounds: (a) NO2 (b) PBr3 (c) SCl2 (d) BF3
Name these binary covalent compounds:
(a) NO2 (b) PBr3
(c) SCl2
(d) BF3
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Correct Names:
(a) NO₂: Nitrogen dioxide
(b) PBr₃: Phosphorus tribromide
(c) SCl₂: Sulfur dichloride
(d) BF₃: Boron trifluoride
Explanation:
1. Binary Covalent Compounds Overview: Binary covalent compounds are formed between two nonmetals. Their naming follows a specific set of rules based on the number of atoms of each element in the compound.
2. Naming Rules:
- The first element in the formula is named first, using its elemental name.
- The second element is named as if it were an anion (its root name + the suffix “-ide”).
- Prefixes are used to indicate the number of atoms of each element in the molecule.
- The prefix “mono-” is not used for the first element if there is only one atom.
3. Applying the Rules:
- NO₂ (Nitrogen dioxide):
- “Nitrogen” is the first element.
- “Oxygen” becomes “oxide.”
- The “di-” prefix indicates there are two oxygen atoms.
- PBr₃ (Phosphorus tribromide):
- “Phosphorus” is the first element.
- “Bromine” becomes “bromide.”
- The “tri-” prefix indicates there are three bromine atoms.
- SCl₂ (Sulfur dichloride):
- “Sulfur” is the first element.
- “Chlorine” becomes “chloride.”
- The “di-” prefix indicates two chlorine atoms.
- BF₃ (Boron trifluoride):
- “Boron” is the first element.
- “Fluorine” becomes “fluoride.”
- The “tri-” prefix indicates three fluorine atoms.
4. Importance of Prefixes: Prefixes prevent ambiguity and clarify the exact number of atoms in a molecule. For example, NO (nitric oxide) differs from NO₂ (nitrogen dioxide) due to the number of oxygen atoms.
Understanding these rules is crucial for accurately communicating chemical compositions and properties in both academic and practical contexts.