The compound Pb(NO3)2 is named lead(II) nitrate.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct name for the compound Pb(NO3)2 is lead(II) nitrate. Here’s why:
- Lead (Pb) Ion: Lead is a transition metal, and it can form multiple ions with different charges. The two common oxidation states of lead are +2 and +4. In Pb(NO3)2, the lead ion has a +2 charge because the nitrate ion (NO3-) has a charge of -1, and there are two nitrate ions. To balance the charges, the lead ion must have a +2 charge, making it lead(II).
- Nitrate (NO3-) Ion: Nitrate is a polyatomic ion with a -1 charge. It remains unchanged regardless of the metal it pairs with. Since there are two nitrate ions in Pb(NO3)2, the overall negative charge from the nitrates is -2. This charge is balanced by the +2 charge of the lead ion.
- Naming Convention: In ionic compounds with transition metals like lead, the oxidation state of the metal is indicated in parentheses using Roman numerals. Since the lead ion in Pb(NO3)2 has a +2 charge, it is named “lead(II)” to indicate this oxidation state.
- Overall Name: The compound is a combination of the lead(II) cation and two nitrate anions. The name is therefore “lead(II) nitrate,” where “nitrate” refers to the NO3- ion.
In summary, the name “lead(II) nitrate” reflects the chemical structure of the compound, with lead having a +2 oxidation state and nitrate being the polyatomic anion. This naming follows the IUPAC convention for ionic compounds with transition metals.
