Which is the correct name of SnSO3? Tin (Sn) ions have variable charges.
Group of answer choices:
a. tin(II) sulfite
b. tin sulfite
c. tin(II) sulfate
d. tin(IV) sulfite
e. tin(IV) sulfate
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct name for SnSO₃ is tin(II) sulfite (answer a).
Explanation:
To name SnSO₃, we need to analyze the chemical formula and the possible charges on the ions involved.
Step 1: Identify the ions present
- Sn is tin, a metal that can have more than one possible oxidation state (variable charges).
- SO₃ is the polyatomic ion sulfite.
Step 2: Determine the charge on the polyatomic ion
- The sulfite ion (SO₃) has a charge of -2. This is well-known from common polyatomic ions:
Step 3: Determine the oxidation state of tin
The compound is neutral overall, so the total positive charge from tin must balance the total negative charge from sulfite.
- Since sulfite is SO₃²⁻ (charge -2), tin must have a charge of +2 to balance the charge.
- Hence, tin is in the +2 oxidation state here.
Step 4: Naming the compound
- When a metal (tin) can have multiple oxidation states, the oxidation state of the metal is indicated in parentheses using Roman numerals.
- Since tin is +2 here, we use tin(II).
- The anion is sulfite, so the name is tin(II) sulfite.
Why not the other options?
Summary:
SnSO₃ is composed of one tin ion and one sulfite ion. Sulfite has a charge of -2, so tin must be +2 to balance the charge in a neutral compound. Therefore, the proper name is tin(II) sulfite. This name correctly identifies the oxidation state of tin and the nature of the polyatomic ion involved.