what is the correct IUPAC name for Ca(C2H3O2)2
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct IUPAC name for Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂ is:
Calcium ethanoate
Explanation
Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂ is a salt composed of the metal calcium (Ca²⁺) and the acetate anion (C₂H₃O₂⁻). To determine its IUPAC name, we must understand the components and apply the rules set by IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry).
- Identify the cation (metal ion):
Calcium is a Group 2 alkaline earth metal, which always forms a +2 charge (Ca²⁺). Because calcium has a fixed oxidation state in compounds, there is no need to specify the oxidation number in Roman numerals. - Identify the anion:
The anion is the acetate ion, C₂H₃O₂⁻, which is the common name. In IUPAC naming, this anion is called ethanoate, derived from the parent acid ethanoic acid (commonly known as acetic acid, CH₃COOH). The “ethan-” prefix refers to the two-carbon backbone (C₂), and the “-oate” suffix is used for carboxylate anions derived from carboxylic acids. - Balance charges:
Each calcium ion carries a +2 charge, and each acetate (ethanoate) ion carries a -1 charge. Therefore, two acetate ions are needed to balance one calcium ion, resulting in the formula: Ca2++2C2H3O2−→Ca(C2H3O2)2\text{Ca}^{2+} + 2 \text{C}_2\text{H}_3\text{O}_2^- \rightarrow \text{Ca(C}_2\text{H}_3\text{O}_2)_2 - Construct the name:
According to IUPAC rules, the name of an ionic compound is written with the cation first followed by the anion. Therefore: Calcium ethanoate\boxed{\text{Calcium ethanoate}}
Note: While “calcium acetate” is the common name and widely used, “calcium ethanoate” is the correct IUPAC name, aligning with modern nomenclature based on systematic naming of organic acids and their salts.
