Question

The formulas and common names for several substances are given below. Give the systematic names for these substances. a. sugar of lead \(\mathrm{Pb}\left(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2}\right)_{2}\) \(\begin{array}{ll}\text { b. blue vitrol } & \mathrm{CuSO}_{4}\end{array}\) c. quicklime \(\mathrm{CaO}\) d. Epsom salts \(\mathrm{MgSO}_{.}\) e. milk of magnesia \(\quad \mathrm{Mg}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}\) f. gypsum \(\mathrm{CaSO}_{4}\) \(\mathrm{g}\). laughing gas \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}\)

Short answer

a. Lead(II) acetate b. Copper(II) sulfate c. Calcium oxide d. Magnesium sulfate e. Magnesium hydroxide f. Calcium sulfate g. Dinitrogen monoxide

Step-by-step solution

a. Sugar of Lead \(Pb(C_{2}H_{3}O_{2})_{2}\)

To find the systematic name of this formula, we must identify the metal and anion. The symbol 'Pb' stands for lead. The anion is a combination of C and H atoms, which is Acetate (C2H3O2), shown by the suffix -ate. Therefore, the systematic name for this substance is Lead(II) acetate.

b. Blue vitrol \(CuSO_{4}\)

Again, we should identify the metal and anion. The symbol 'Cu' stands for copper, while 'SO4' is the sulfate ion (SO4^2-). As a result, the systemic name for this substance is Copper(II) sulfate.

c. Quicklime \(CaO\)

For this compound, the metal is 'Ca' (calcium) and the anion is 'O' (oxygen). When oxygen is combined with a metal, it forms an oxide. Hence, the systematic name for this substance is Calcium oxide.

d. Epsom salts \(MgSO_{4}\)

The given formula has the metal 'Mg' (magnesium) and the anion sulfate (SO4^2-). Therefore, the systematic name for this substance is Magnesium sulfate.

e. Milk of magnesia \(Mg(OH)_{2}\)

In this case, the metal is 'Mg' (magnesium) and the anion is the hydroxide ion (OH^-), which is found in bases. Consequently, the systematic name for this substance is Magnesium hydroxide.

f. Gypsum \(CaSO_{4}\)

The metal in this formula is 'Ca' (calcium), and the anion is the sulfate ion (SO4^2-). Thus, the systematic name for this substance is Calcium sulfate.

g. Laughing gas \(N_{2}O\)

This is a molecular compound made up of two non-metals: nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O). Since it's a binary compound, the systematic name for this substance is Dinitrogen monoxide.

Key concepts

Chemical Formulas

Chemical formulas are a concise way of representing chemical substances using symbols from the periodic table. Each formula gives crucial information about the components of the compound and their proportions. For instance, in the formula \( \mathrm{Pb}\left(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3}\mathrm{O}_{2}\right)_{2} \), \( \mathrm{Pb} \) stands for the lead ion, while \( \mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2} \) indicates the acetate anion. These formulas are not just letters and numbers – they are codes that reveal the composition of the compound.

Understanding chemical formulas is key to knowing how atoms are bonded together in compounds. In every formula, subscripts indicate the number of each type of atom present. For example, \( \mathrm{Mg(OH)}_{2} \) tells us that there are one magnesium atom and two hydroxide groups in the compound. By examining the components of these formulas, you can deduce the type and quantity of atoms involved in forming the substance.

Common Names

Common names are the everyday terms people use for chemicals, often derived from historical or traditional references. These names can be peculiar, as they do not necessarily give information about the chemical structure. For example, 'sugar of lead' refers to \( \mathrm{Pb(C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2})_{2} \) and 'blue vitriol' stands for \( \mathrm{CuSO}_{4} \).

While common names may be easier to remember or say, they can be misleading or lack the precision needed for scientific communication. They often stem from the appearance, place of discovery, or original application of the substance. Despite their inaccuracies, common names are still widely used in various contexts, mainly because of tradition and ease of communication in non-scientific settings.

Systematic Names

Systematic names are used to provide an accurate and universally understood title for chemical substances. This nomenclature follows a specific set of rules to ensure that the name reflects the compound's structure. Unlike common names, systematic names reveal more details about a compound’s composition and the nature of its components.

For ionic compounds, like \( \mathrm{Pb(C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2})_{2} \), the metal ion (lead) and the non-metal anion (acetate) are identified. The systematic name is Lead(II) acetate, clearly indicating that the lead ion has a +2 charge.

In systematic naming, prefixes and suffixes are important for showing the quantity and oxidation states of elements. They help in distinguishing compounds that might have similar chemical formulas but different structures or properties. This makes systematic names invaluable in scientific research and communication.

Metal and Anion Identification

Identifying the metal and anion in a chemical compound is crucial for determining its systematic name. Metals are usually cations (positively charged), and they bond with anions (negatively charged) to form ionic compounds. For example, in \( \mathrm{CaO} \), calcium (\( \mathrm{Ca} \)) is the metal and forms a bond with the anion oxygen (\( \mathrm{O} \)), resulting in calcium oxide.

The process of identifying metals and anions involves recognizing the symbols and charges typically encountered in a compound. Metals often appear first in the formula – such as \( \mathrm{Cu} \) in \( \mathrm{CuSO}_{4} \) – followed by the anion, like the sulfate \( \mathrm{SO}_{4}^{2-} \). Understanding these concepts helps in figuring out the systematic name by providing information about the type of ions and their charges.

• Metals are elements that lose electrons easily, forming positive ions known as cations.
• Anions are negatively charged ions formed when non-metals gain electrons.
• The balance of charges between metal cations and non-metal anions forms a stable ionic compound.

By identifying these components in chemical formulas, we can accurately write the systematic name and understand the compound's properties.