Question

Write the formula of each of the following: a. oxygen difluoride b. boron trichloride c. dinitrogen trioxide d. sulfur hexafluoride

Short answer

a. OF2, b. BCl3, c. N2O3, d. SF6

Step-by-step solution

- Oxygen Difluoride (OF2)

Identify the elements in the compound: Oxygen (O) and Fluorine (F). Since it is named as 'difluoride', it indicates there are two fluorine atoms. Therefore, the formula for oxygen difluoride is OF2.

- Boron Trichloride (BCl3)

Identify the elements in the compound: Boron (B) and Chlorine (Cl). 'Trichloride' refers to three chlorine atoms. Therefore, the formula for boron trichloride is BCl3.

- Dinitrogen Trioxide (N2O3)

Identify the elements in the compound: Nitrogen (N) and Oxygen (O). 'Dinitrogen' indicates two nitrogen atoms and 'trioxide' indicates three oxygen atoms. Therefore, the formula for dinitrogen trioxide is N2O3.

- Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)

Identify the elements in the compound: Sulfur (S) and Fluorine (F). 'Hexafluoride' denotes six fluorine atoms. Therefore, the formula for sulfur hexafluoride is SF6.

Key concepts

Molecular Formulas

Molecular formulas show the exact number of each type of atom present in a molecule. They provide a clear way to represent the chemical composition of a compound. For example, in 'Oxygen Difluoride' (OF₂), the subscript '2' next to Fluorine (F) indicates that there are two atoms of Fluorine. Here are key steps to determine molecular formulas:

• Identify the elements in the compound
• Use prefixes (like 'di-', 'tri-', 'hexa-') in the compound name to determine the number of atoms of each element

Practicing these steps with various compounds will help in understanding and mastering molecular formulas.

Nomenclature of Compounds

The nomenclature of compounds is the standardized system used to name chemical substances. It ensures that each compound has a unique and universally accepted name. Here are some rules for naming compounds:

• Prefixes indicate the number of atoms (e.g., 'mono-' for one, 'di-' for two, 'tri-' for three)
• The first element in the name retains its elemental name (e.g., 'Boron' in Boron Trichloride)
• The second element's name is modified to end in '-ide' (e.g., 'Chlorine' becomes 'Chloride')

Take 'Dinitrogen Trioxide' (N₂O₃) as an example: 'Dinitrogen' indicates two nitrogen atoms, and 'Trioxide' means three oxygen atoms. Understanding these rules is crucial for accurately writing chemical formulas from compound names.

Chemical Structures

Chemical structures represent the arrangement of atoms within a molecule. Visualizing these structures helps in understanding the properties and reactivity of the compound. Key points about chemical structures include:

• They can be represented in various forms, including structural formulas, ball-and-stick models, and Lewis dot structures
• A structural formula shows the exact arrangement and bonds between atoms
• Bonding tendencies of atoms (e.g., Carbon forms four bonds, Oxygen forms two) guide the structure

Take 'Sulfur Hexafluoride' (SF₆) as an example: Sulfur is at the center with six Fluorine atoms symmetrically arranged around it. Grasping chemical structures helps predict how compounds will interact in different chemical reactions.