Question

Name each of the following: a. \(\mathrm{CBr}_{4}\) b. \(\mathrm{SF}_{6}\) c. \(\mathrm{Br}_{2}\) d. \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}\) e. \(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\) f. \(\mathrm{CS}_{2}\)

Short answer

a) carbon tetrabromide, b) sulfur hexafluoride, c) dibromine, d) dinitrogen tetroxide, e) sulfur dioxide, f) carbon disulfide.

Step-by-step solution

- Recognize the type of compounds

First, check if the given compounds are molecular (non-metals bonded covalently). All given examples are molecular compounds.

- Identify the elements and their prefixes

Identify the elements present in each compound and use appropriate prefixes for the number of atoms. The prefixes are: 1 - mono (often omitted for the first element), 2 - di, 3 - tri, 4 - tetra, 5 - penta, 6 - hexa.

- Name \(\text{CBr}_4\)

For \(\text{CBr}_4\), the first element is carbon, and the second element is bromine with the prefix tetra for four atoms: 'carbon tetrabromide'.

- Name \(\text{SF}_6\)

For \(\text{SF}_6\), the first element is sulfur, and the second element is fluorine with the prefix hexa for six atoms: 'sulfur hexafluoride'.

- Name \(\text{Br}_2\)

For \(\text{Br}_2\), since it's a diatomic molecule of bromine atoms: 'dibromine'.

- Name \(\text{N}_2\text{O}_4\)

For \(\text{N}_2\text{O}_4\), the first element is nitrogen with the prefix di for two atoms, and the second element is oxygen with the prefix tetra for four atoms: 'dinitrogen tetroxide'.

- Name \(\text{SO}_2\)

For \(\text{SO}_2\), the first element is sulfur and the second element is oxygen with the prefix di for two atoms: 'sulfur dioxide'.

- Name \(\text{CS}_2\)

For \(\text{CS}_2\), the first element is carbon and the second element is sulfur with the prefix di for two atoms: 'carbon disulfide'.

Key concepts

Molecular Compounds

Molecular compounds, also known as covalent compounds, are formed when two or more non-metal elements bond together by sharing electrons. These compounds are characterized by the use of covalent bonds, where the elements involved share electron pairs. The key feature to remember is that these elements do not transfer electrons but rather share them.

• Molecular compounds typically have low melting and boiling points.
• They do not conduct electricity when dissolved in water.
• Examples include \(\text{H}_2\text{O}\) (water) and \(\text{CO}_2\) (carbon dioxide).

In naming molecular compounds, it's important to note that we use specific prefixes to indicate the number of atoms of each element in the compound. Understanding these prefixes is crucial for mastering the nomenclature of molecular compounds.

Chemical Nomenclature

Chemical nomenclature refers to the systematic methods used to name chemical substances. This is especially important in chemistry to ensure that each compound has a unique and universally understood name. For molecular compounds, the nomenclature follows a specific set of rules:

• The first element keeps its regular name.
• The second element's name ends in \'-ide\'.
• Appropriate prefixes are added to indicate the number of atoms if there is more than one atom of the elements involved.

Here's an example: for \(\text{CO}_2\) (carbon dioxide), 'carbon' is the name of the first element, and 'oxygen' becomes 'oxide', with the prefix 'di-' indicating there are two oxygen atoms. By understanding and using these rules, you can accurately name any molecular compound.

Prefixes for Number of Atoms

Prefixes play an essential role in the chemical nomenclature of molecular compounds. These prefixes help indicate the quantity of each type of atom present in a compound. Here is a list of common prefixes used:

• 1 - mono (often omitted for the first element)
• 2 - di
• 3 - tri
• 4 - tetra
• 5 - penta
• 6 - hexa

Understanding these prefixes is crucial when naming compounds. For instance, in \(\text{N}_2\text{O}_4\) (dinitrogen tetroxide), 'di-' indicates two nitrogen atoms, and 'tetra-' indicates four oxygen atoms. By mastering these prefixes, you will find it much easier to name and understand molecular compounds.