Name Each Of The Following Molecular Compounds:1. $ PBr_3 $2. $ SCl_4 $3. $ N_2F_2 $4. $ SO_3 $5. $ BrF $
Molecular compounds are formed when two or more nonmetal elements combine in a fixed ratio. Naming these compounds requires a systematic approach to ensure accuracy and clarity. In this article, we will explore the rules for naming molecular compounds, focusing on the given examples: $ PBr_3 $, $ SCl_4 $, $ N_2F_2 $, $ SO_3 $, and $ BrF_3 $.
Understanding the Rules
To name a molecular compound, we need to follow a set of rules:
- Identify the elements: Determine the elements present in the compound.
- Determine the prefix: Use the prefix corresponding to the number of atoms of each element.
- Use the root: Use the root of the element's name to form the base of the compound's name.
- Add the suffix: Add the suffix "-ide" to the base to indicate that it is a nonmetal.
- Combine the names: Combine the names of the elements, using the prefix and root, to form the final name.
Example 1: $ PBr_3 $
To name $ PBr_3 $, we need to follow the rules:
- Identify the elements: Phosphorus (P) and bromine (Br).
- Determine the prefix: Since there are three bromine atoms, we use the prefix "tri-" to indicate this.
- Use the root: The root of the element's name is "phosph-" for phosphorus and "brom-" for bromine.
- Add the suffix: Add the suffix "-ide" to the base to indicate that it is a nonmetal.
- Combine the names: Combine the names of the elements, using the prefix and root, to form the final name: tribromophosphorus.
Example 2: $ SCl_4 $
To name $ SCl_4 $, we need to follow the rules:
- Identify the elements: Sulfur (S) and chlorine (Cl).
- Determine the prefix: Since there are four chlorine atoms, we use the prefix "tetra-" to indicate this.
- Use the root: The root of the element's name is "sulf-" for sulfur and "chlor-" for chlorine.
- Add the suffix: Add the suffix "-ide" to the base to indicate that it is a nonmetal.
- Combine the names: Combine the names of the elements, using the prefix and root, to form the final name: tetrachlorosulfur.
Example 3: $ N_2F_2 $
To name $ N_2F_2 $, we need to follow the rules:
- Identify the elements: Nitrogen (N) and fluorine (F).
- Determine the prefix: Since there are two nitrogen atoms and two fluorine atoms, we use the prefix "di-" to indicate this.
- Use the root: The root of the element's name is "nit-" for nitrogen and "fluor-" for fluorine.
- Add the suffix: Add the suffix "-ide" to the base to indicate that it is a nonmetal.
- Combine the names: Combine the names of the elements, using the prefix and root, to form the final name: difluorodinitrogen.
Example 4: $ SO_3 $
To name $ SO_3 $, we need to follow the rules:
- Identify the elements: Sulfur (S) and oxygen (O).
- Determine the prefix: Since there are three oxygen atoms, we use the prefix "tri-" to indicate this.
- Use the root: The root of the element's name is "sulf-" for sulfur and "ox-" for oxygen.
- Add the suffix: Add the suffix "-ide" to the base to indicate that it is a nonmetal.
- Combine the names: Combine the names of the elements, using the prefix and root, to form the final name: sulfur trioxide.
Example 5: $ BrF_3 $
To name $ BrF_3 $, we need to follow the rules:
- Identify the elements: Bromine (Br) and fluorine (F).
- Determine the prefix: Since there are three fluorine atoms, we use the prefix "tri-" to indicate this.
- Use the root: The root of the element's name is "brom-" for bromine and "fluor-" for fluorine.
- Add the suffix: Add the suffix "-ide" to the base to indicate that it is a nonmetal.
- Combine the names: Combine the names of the elements, using the prefix and root, to form the final name: bromine trifluoride.
Conclusion
Naming molecular compounds can be a challenging task, especially for those who are new to chemistry. In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions related to naming molecular compounds.
Q: What is the difference between a molecular compound and an ionic compound?
A: A molecular compound is formed when two or more nonmetal elements combine in a fixed ratio, whereas an ionic compound is formed when a metal element combines with a nonmetal element, resulting in the transfer of electrons and the formation of ions.
Q: How do I determine the prefix for a molecular compound?
A: The prefix for a molecular compound is determined by the number of atoms of each element present in the compound. The prefixes are as follows:
- mono- (1 atom)
- di- (2 atoms)
- tri- (3 atoms)
- tetra- (4 atoms)
- penta- (5 atoms)
- hexa- (6 atoms)
- hepta- (7 atoms)
- octa- (8 atoms)
- nona- (9 atoms)
- deca- (10 atoms)
Q: What is the root of an element's name?
A: The root of an element's name is the base of the element's name, excluding the prefix and suffix. For example, the root of the element's name "sulfur" is "sulf-".
Q: How do I add the suffix to a molecular compound?
A: The suffix "-ide" is added to the base of the molecular compound to indicate that it is a nonmetal.
Q: Can I use the prefix "mono-" for a molecular compound?
A: Yes, you can use the prefix "mono-" for a molecular compound, but it is not necessary. The prefix "mono-" is used to indicate that there is only one atom of an element present in the compound.
Q: How do I name a molecular compound with a polyatomic ion?
A: When naming a molecular compound with a polyatomic ion, you need to use the name of the polyatomic ion as a single unit. For example, the compound $ H_2SO_4 $ is named sulfuric acid, where "sulfuric" is the name of the polyatomic ion $ HSO_4^- $.
Q: Can I use the prefix "di-" for a molecular compound with two different elements?
A: Yes, you can use the prefix "di-" for a molecular compound with two different elements. For example, the compound $ N_2O_2 $ is named dinitrogen dioxide, where "di-" is used to indicate that there are two nitrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms present in the compound.
Q: How do I name a molecular compound with a metal element?
A: When naming a molecular compound with a metal element, you need to use the name of the metal element followed by the name of the nonmetal element. For example, the compound $ NaCl $ is named sodium chloride, where "sodium" is the name of the metal element and "chloride" is the name of the nonmetal element.
Q: Can I use the prefix "tri-" for a molecular compound with three different elements?
A: Yes, you can use the prefix "tri-" for a molecular compound with three different elements. For example, the compound $ PBr_3 $ is named tribromophosphorus, where "tri-" is used to indicate that there are three bromine atoms and one phosphorus atom present in the compound.
Conclusion
Naming molecular compounds requires a systematic approach to ensure accuracy and clarity. By following the rules outlined in this article, you can confidently name compounds and understand the differences between molecular and ionic compounds. Remember to identify the elements, determine the prefix, use the root, add the suffix, and combine the names to form the final name. With practice, you will become proficient in naming molecular compounds and be able to accurately identify the names of various compounds.