Question

The common name for \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\) is ammonia. What would be the systematic name for \(\mathrm{NH}_{3} ?\) Support your answer.

Short answer

The systematic name for \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\) is nitrogen trihydride. This name is derived using IUPAC nomenclature by recognizing it as a covalent compound, omitting the 'mono' prefix for the first element (nitrogen), and using the 'tri' prefix for the three hydrogen atoms.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the compound elements

First, let's identify the elements present in the given compound. The molecular formula is \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\), which consists of nitrogen (N) and hydrogen (H).

Determine the chemical bond

The compound has one nitrogen atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms. This indicates a covalent bond, as the atoms share electrons instead of donating or accepting them as in an ionic bond.

Apply IUPAC nomenclature

Using the IUPAC nomenclature system, we name covalent compounds by assigning a prefix to the first and second elements based on the number of atoms present. In this case, we have one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms. The prefix for one atom is 'mono' and for three atoms is 'tri.' However, when the first element in the compound has only one atom, the prefix 'mono' is omitted, making the name start with the element's name.

Name the compound

According to the IUPAC nomenclature, the systematic name for \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\) is nitrogen trihydride. We arrived at this name by adding the prefix 'tri' for the three hydrogen atoms and starting with nitrogen, as it is the first element in the compound. The name reflects that the compound consists of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms in a covalent bond.

Support the answer

To support our answer, we know that the IUPAC nomenclature system ensures the unique naming of chemical compounds to avoid confusion. By following the rules and steps properly as demonstrated above, the systematic name for ammonia, \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\), is nitrogen trihydride.

Key concepts

Covalent Bonds

A covalent bond is a fascinating type of chemical linkage that connects atoms through the sharing of electron pairs. This bond is fundamentally different from an ionic bond, where atoms transfer electrons to achieve stability. In covalent bonding, the involved atoms decide to share electrons to fill their outer electron shells and become stable. For instance, in the molecule of ammonia, \[\text{NH}_3\] nitrogen shares electrons with hydrogen, forming covalent bonds.This shared pair of electrons creates a strong bond, essentially gluing the atoms together in a stable configuration. Here are a few features of covalent bonds:

• Shared Electrons: Covalent bonds hold atoms together by sharing electrons.
• Directionality: Covalent bonds have specific angles and orientation due to their spatial electron sharing, unlike ionic bonds that are non-directional.

These shared electrons allow molecules and compounds to form in various structures and diverse properties. Understanding covalent bonds is critical for interpreting laboratory observations and drawing structures of chemical compounds effectively.

Chemical Formula

A chemical formula is a symbolic representation of a compound's composition using element symbols and numerical subscripts. It portrays the type and number of atoms present in the smallest fundamental unit of the compound. For example, in the chemical formula of ammonia, \[\text{NH}_3\], we understand that it consists of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms each.These formulas are essential for understanding how atoms combine and form compounds. Here's why chemical formulas are valuable:

• Concise Representation: They provide a quick way to depict what elements a compound contains.
• Insight into Structure: By knowing the formula, one can deduce potential structures and bonding patterns.

Chemical formulas are crucial in chemistry, as they provide the fundamental basis for describing complex molecules through symbolic notation. This makes them essential tools for scientists in studying chemical reactions.

Molecular Compounds

Molecular compounds are unique entities composed of molecules that are formed by the covalent bonding of non-metal atoms. Unlike ionic compounds, which are formed by metals and non-metals, molecular compounds primarily involve non-metal bonding. Take for example, ammonia, \[\text{NH}_3\], which is a molecular compound given its molecules consist of covalently bonded nitrogen and hydrogen atoms.Here is what sets molecular compounds apart:

• Formation through Covalent Bonds: They consist of atoms bonded covalently, sharing electrons.
• Defined by Non-Metals: Typically involve only non-metal elements.
• Variety of States: Can exist as solids, liquids, or gases at room temperature.
• Molecular Formula: Their composition is represented using molecular formulas that describe their individual molecules.

Understanding what molecular compounds are helps in identifying and categorizing structures, which is critical in understanding their properties and reactions.