Question

Name each of the following: a. \(\mathrm{NCl}_{3}\) b. \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{~S}_{3}\) c. \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) d. \(\mathrm{F}_{2}\) e. \(\mathrm{PCl}_{5}\) f. \(\mathrm{P}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\)

Short answer

a. Nitrogen trichlorideb. Dinitrogen trisulfidec. Dinitrogen monoxided. Difluorinee. Phosphorus pentachloridef. Diphosphorus pentoxide

Step-by-step solution

Identify the type of compound

Determine if the compound is ionic or covalent. All of these compounds are covalent, as they consist of nonmetals.

Use prefixes for covalent compounds

For covalent compounds, use appropriate prefixes to indicate the number of each type of atom. Common prefixes include: mono- (1), di- (2), tri- (3), tetra- (4), penta- (5), hexa- (6), etc.

Naming \( \mathrm{NCl}_{3} \)

The prefix for one nitrogen is 'nitrogen' (no prefix needed for the first element if it's one). The prefix for three chlorines is 'tri-' so it becomes 'trichloride'. The name is 'Nitrogen trichloride'.

Naming \( \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{S}_{3} \)

The prefix for two nitrogens is 'di-' so it becomes 'dinitrogen'. The prefix for three sulfurs is 'tri-' making it 'trisulfide'. The name is 'Dinitrogen trisulfide'.

Naming \( \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O} \)

The prefix for two nitrogens is 'di-' so it becomes 'dinitrogen'. The prefix for one oxygen is 'mono-' making it 'monoxide'. The name is 'Dinitrogen monoxide'.

Naming \( \mathrm{F}_{2} \)

Since there are two fluorine atoms, the prefix is 'di-'. The name is 'Difluorine'.

Naming \( \mathrm{PCl}_{5} \)

The prefix for one phosphorus is 'phosphorus' (no prefix needed for the first element if it's one). The prefix for five chlorines is 'penta-' making it 'pentachloride'. The name is 'Phosphorus pentachloride'.

Naming \( \mathrm{P}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5} \)

The prefix for two phosphorus atoms is 'di-' making it 'diphosphorus'. The prefix for five oxygens is 'penta-' making it 'pentoxide'. The name is 'Diphosphorus pentoxide'.

Key concepts

chemical nomenclature

Chemical nomenclature is a systematic way of naming chemical substances. It plays a crucial role in identifying and communicating chemical compounds. This system follows specific rules to avoid confusion in the scientific community.
For covalent compounds, which are made up of nonmetals, we use prefixes to indicate the number of atoms. This method helps in clearly distinguishing one compound from another.
These naming conventions ensure that each compound has a unique name, making it easier for students and professionals to understand exactly what substance is being referred to.
Understanding the chemical nomenclature is essential for anyone studying chemistry, as it forms the foundation of the language used to communicate chemical information.

covalent compounds

Covalent compounds are substances formed when two or more nonmetals share electrons. This bond is known as a covalent bond, and it allows each atom to achieve a stable electron configuration.
The sharing of electrons between nonmetals results in the formation of molecules, which are the smallest units of covalent compounds. These compounds can exist in various forms such as gases, liquids, or solids.
In the exercise, examples of covalent compounds include \(\text{NCl}_{3}\), \(\text{N}_{2}\text{S}_{3}\), and \(\text{F}_{2}\). Each of these compounds is formed by nonmetals sharing electrons to become more stable.
Learning about covalent compounds is important because they make up a significant portion of substances in the natural world, including many biological molecules and everyday materials.

prefixes in chemistry

Prefixes in chemistry are used to indicate the number of atoms of each element in a covalent compound. These prefixes help in naming the compounds accurately and consistently.
Here are some common prefixes used in chemistry:

• mono- (1)
• di- (2)
• tri- (3)
• tetra- (4)
• penta- (5)
• hexa- (6)

For example, \(\text{NCl}_{3}\) is named 'Nitrogen trichloride,' where 'tri-' indicates three chlorine atoms. Similarly, \(\text{P}_{2}\text{O}_{5}\) is named 'Diphosphorus pentoxide,' with 'di-' indicating two phosphorus atoms and 'penta-' indicating five oxygen atoms.
Understanding these prefixes is essential for correctly naming covalent compounds and for communicating their compositions accurately.

molecular compounds

Molecular compounds are a type of covalent compounds where molecules are formed by two or more nonmetals. Each molecule represents the smallest unit of the compound that still retains its chemical properties.
Some key features of molecular compounds include:

• They are typically made up of nonmetals.
• They can exist in various physical states: gases, liquids, or solids.
• They have distinct boiling and melting points.
• They often form through the sharing of electrons between the bonded atoms.

Examples from the exercise include \(\text{N}_{2}\text{O}\) and \(\text{PCl}_{5}\). In these compounds, the nonmetal atoms share electrons to form stable molecules.
Studying molecular compounds is important because these substances are common in everyday life and are fundamental to many chemical reactions and biological processes.