Each of the following compounds is incorrectly named. What...

Each of the following compounds is incorrectly named. What is wrong with each name, and what is the correct name for each compound? a. $\mathrm{FeCl}_{3}$, iron chloride b. $\mathrm{NO}_{2}$, nitrogen(IV) oxide c. $\mathrm{CaO}$, calcium(II) monoxide d. $\mathrm{Al}_{2} \mathrm{~S}_{3}$, dialuminum trisulfide e. $\mathrm{Mg}\left(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2}\right)_{2}$, manganese diacetate f. $\mathrm{FePO}_{4}$, iron(II) phosphide g. $\mathrm{P}_{2} \mathrm{~S}_{5}$, phosphorous sulfide h. $\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}$, sodium oxide i. $\mathrm{HNO}_{3}$, nitrate acid j. $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{~S}$, sulfuric acid

Each of the following compounds is incorrectly named. What is wrong with each name, and what is the correct name for each compound?
a. $\mathrm{FeCl}_{3}$, iron chloride
b. $\mathrm{NO}_{2}$, nitrogen(IV) oxide
c. $\mathrm{CaO}$, calcium(II) monoxide
d. $\mathrm{Al}_{2} \mathrm{~S}_{3}$, dialuminum trisulfide
e. $\mathrm{Mg}\left(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2}\right)_{2}$, manganese diacetate
f. $\mathrm{FePO}_{4}$, iron(II) phosphide
g. $\mathrm{P}_{2} \mathrm{~S}_{5}$, phosphorous sulfide
h. $\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}$, sodium oxide
i. $\mathrm{HNO}_{3}$, nitrate acid
j. $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{~S}$, sulfuric acid

Key Concepts

Avoiding Element Name Confusion

This concept highlights the importance of correctly identifying elements that have similar names (such as magnesium versus manganese) in chemical nomenclature. Misidentification can lead to erroneous compound names and formulas. Familiarity with the periodic table and attention to details in chemical formulas help prevent these types of errors, ensuring that the compound’s name accurately reflects its constituent elements.

Oxidation State and Stock Notation

This concept involves determining the oxidation numbers of elements within a compound and including them in the name when an element has more than one common oxidation state. For instance, transition metals often require their oxidation state be indicated in parentheses (e.g., iron(III) chloride) to differentiate between possible compounds. However, when an element has only one typical oxidation state, the numeral is usually omitted in its ionic compound names.

Naming of Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are named by first stating the cation followed by the anion. The anion, when it is a single element, typically takes an '-ide' ending. Errors in naming may occur if an element’s fixed oxidation number is unnecessarily indicated, or if the name for the anion is mistakenly replaced with one that implies a different anion. Correct naming requires matching the actual charges of the ions with their conventional names, avoiding inappropriate modifiers.

Naming of Molecular (Covalent) Compounds

Molecular compounds, especially those composed only of nonmetals, are typically named using Greek prefixes to indicate the number of atoms present and common names rather than oxidation state roman numerals. The appropriate prefixes (mono-, di-, tri-, etc.) are used to denote the number of each element, and the names do not usually include Roman numerals even if an element can have multiple oxidation states.

Polyatomic Ion Naming

This concept covers the correct identification and naming of polyatomic ions, which are charged entities composed of several atoms. A frequent source of error is confusing ions with similar composition, such as phosphate (PO4^3-) versus phosphide (P^3-), since each ion has distinct charges and chemical implications. Correct nomenclature requires recognizing the actual ion present and using its proper name.

Acid Nomenclature

Acids are named based on the composition of their anions. Oxyacids, which contain oxygen, are named with the ending '-ic' or '-ous' (e.g., nitric acid rather than nitrate acid), while binary acids (composed of hydrogen and one other element) are typically given the ‘hydro-…-ic acid’ format. Correct acid nomenclature avoids confusing common names with systematic ones and follows conventional naming rules that often differ from those for salts or neutral compounds.

Please give Ace some feedback