What is the correct name of the compound SnSe2? O
a. tin tetraselenide
b. tin (IV) selenide
c. Titanium(III) Bromide
d. tin selenide
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct name for the compound SnSe₂ is b. tin (IV) selenide.
Explanation:
To name the compound SnSe₂, we need to look at the elements involved and their oxidation states.
- Sn stands for tin. Tin is a transition metal, and it can form multiple oxidation states. The most common oxidation states of tin are +2 and +4.
- Se stands for selenium. Selenium typically forms an oxidation state of -2 in compounds.
Determining the Oxidation States:
- Selenium (Se) has a charge of -2 in this compound.
- The compound SnSe₂ has two selenium atoms, so the total negative charge from selenium is 2 × (-2) = -4.
- For the compound to be neutral, the positive charge from tin (Sn) must balance the total negative charge. Therefore, the oxidation state of tin must be +4, which balances the -4 charge from the two selenium atoms.
Thus, the correct oxidation state for tin in SnSe₂ is +4.
Naming the Compound:
In naming compounds involving transition metals like tin, we use Roman numerals to indicate the oxidation state of the metal. In this case, the oxidation state of tin is +4, so the compound is named tin (IV) selenide.
Why Not the Other Options?
- a. tin tetraselenide: This name suggests there are four selenium atoms, but SnSe₂ contains only two selenium atoms.
- c. Titanium(III) Bromide: This is completely unrelated. Titanium (Ti) and bromine (Br) are different elements from tin (Sn) and selenium (Se).
- d. tin selenide: This name is too vague. It does not specify the oxidation state of tin, which is necessary for accuracy.
Therefore, the correct name for SnSe₂ is tin (IV) selenide.