Naming Covalent Compounds Write the formulas for the following compounds: tetraphosphorus hexoxide, dinitrogen monoxide, xenon tetrafluoride, iodine trichloride, disulfur decafluoride, disilicon hexabromide, hydrogen iodide, carbon tetrachloride. Write the names of the following compounds: S2Cl2, BrF5, PCl5, N2O, I2O7, As4S3, B2F4, SO2.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Formulas for the given compounds:
- Tetraphosphorus hexoxide → P₄O₆
- Dinitrogen monoxide → N₂O
- Xenon tetrafluoride → XeF₄
- Iodine trichloride → ICl₃
- Disulfur decafluoride → S₂F₁₀
- Disilicon hexabromide → Si₂Br₆
- Hydrogen iodide → HI
- Carbon tetrachloride → CCl₄
Names for the given formulas:
- S₂Cl₂ → Disulfur dichloride
- BrF₅ → Bromine pentafluoride
- PCl₅ → Phosphorus pentachloride
- N₂O → Dinitrogen monoxide
- I₂O₇ → Diiodine heptoxide
- As₄S₃ → Tetraarsenic trisulfide
- B₂F₄ → Diboron tetrafluoride
- SO₃ → Sulfur trioxide
Explanation: Covalent compounds are formed between nonmetal atoms that share electrons to achieve stable electron configurations. Their nomenclature follows a systematic approach based on the number of atoms of each element present in the compound. Greek prefixes indicate the quantity of each element in the molecular formula.
To derive formulas from names, identify the elements and apply the given prefixes. For instance, in tetraphosphorus hexoxide, “tetra” signifies four phosphorus atoms and “hex” signifies six oxygen atoms, yielding P₄O₆. Similarly, dinitrogen monoxide contains two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, leading to N₂O.
To name formulas, recognize atomic ratios and apply appropriate prefixes. For example, S₂Cl₂ consists of two sulfur atoms and two chlorine atoms, making the correct name disulfur dichloride. Likewise, BrF₅ contains one bromine atom and five fluorine atoms, leading to bromine pentafluoride.
Understanding covalent nomenclature ensures precise chemical communication, an essential skill in chemistry. Mastering these conventions enables the accurate description of molecular structures and facilitates scientific discussions regarding compound behavior and reactivity.
