Question

Before the use of systematic names, many compounds had common names. Give the systematic name for each of the following: (a) Blue vitriol, \(\mathrm{CuSO}_{4} \cdot 5 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) (b) Slaked lime, \(\mathrm{Ca}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}\) (c) Oil of vitriol, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\) (d) Washing soda, \(\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}\) (e) Muriatic acid, HCl (f) Epsom salt, \(\mathrm{MgSO}_{4} \cdot 7 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\)

Short answer

(a) Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate, (b) Calcium hydroxide, (c) Sulfuric acid, (d) Sodium carbonate, (e) Hydrochloric acid, (f) Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate

Step-by-step solution

Identify the common name and its formula

First, identify the common name and its chemical formula provided in the problem. For example: Blue vitriol is \(\text{CuSO}_4 \cdot 5 \text{H}_2 \text{O}\). Follow this for each compound.

Determine the systematic name for Blue vitriol

Blue vitriol is \(\text{CuSO}_4 \cdot 5 \text{H}_2 \text{O}\). The systematic name is Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate. Copper(II) indicates the oxidation state of +2, sulfate is \(\text{SO}_4^{2-}\), and pentahydrate signifies the five water molecules.

Determine the systematic name for Slaked lime

Slaked lime is \(\text{Ca(OH)}_2\). The systematic name for \(\text{Ca(OH)}_2\) is Calcium hydroxide.

Determine the systematic name for Oil of vitriol

Oil of vitriol is \(\text{H}_2 \text{SO}_4\). The systematic name for \(\text{H}_2 \text{SO}_4\) is Sulfuric acid.

Determine the systematic name for Washing soda

Washing soda is \(\text{Na}_2 \text{CO}_3\). The systematic name for \(\text{Na}_2 \text{CO}_3\) is Sodium carbonate.

Determine the systematic name for Muriatic acid

Muriatic acid is \(\text{HCl}\). The systematic name for \(\text{HCl}\) is Hydrochloric acid.

Determine the systematic name for Epsom salt

Epsom salt is \(\text{MgSO}_4 \cdot 7 \text{H}_2 \text{O}\). The systematic name for \(\text{MgSO}_4 \cdot 7 \text{H}_2 \text{O}\) is Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate.

Key concepts

common names of compounds

Common names of compounds were historically used before the adoption of systematic naming conventions. These names are often derived from the compound's appearance, source, or historical usage. For instance, Blue vitriol refers to \(\mathrm{CuSO}_4 \cdot 5 \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}\) because of its blue color. These names, though helpful, can vary from region to region, making systematic names essential for universality.

Common names can simplify communication in a local context but may not provide specific information about the compound's structure or composition. Learning these historical names can give students context and appreciation for the development of modern chemistry.

systematic names of chemical compounds

Systematic names of chemical compounds adhere to the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) nomenclature rules to ensure consistency and clarity. These names convey detailed information about the chemical nature of the compound.

For example:

• \(\mathrm{CuSO}_4 \cdot 5 \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}\): Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate
• \(\mathrm{Ca(OH)}_2\): Calcium hydroxide
• \(\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{SO}_4\): Sulfuric acid
• \(\mathrm{Na}_2 \mathrm{CO}_3\): Sodium carbonate
• \(\mathrm{HCl}\): Hydrochloric acid
• \(\mathrm{MgSO}_4 \cdot 7 \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}\): Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate

Systematic naming helps avoid confusion and provides clear understanding of the chemical composition, which is especially important in scientific communication and education.

hydration in chemical compounds

Hydration refers to the association of water molecules with chemical compounds. In systematic names, hydrated compounds include a specific number of water molecules per formula unit, indicated by prefixes like 'mono-', 'di-', 'tri-', etc.

For instance:

• \(\mathrm{CuSO}_4 \cdot 5 \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}\): Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate
• \(\mathrm{MgSO}_4 \cdot 7 \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}\): Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate

Understanding hydration is crucial as it can influence the physical and chemical properties of compounds. The water molecules, often referred to as 'waters of hydration,' can be removed by heating, leading to an anhydrous compound. Hydrated forms are often found in nature and in various industrial applications.

oxidation states in nomenclature

Oxidation states, or oxidation numbers, are crucial in the systematic naming of compounds, especially for transition metals. The oxidation state is indicated in Roman numerals in parentheses immediately following the name of the element.

For example:

• Copper(II) sulfate: Copper has an oxidation state of \(+2\) in \(\mathrm{CuSO}_4\)
• Iron(III) chloride: Iron has an oxidation state of \(+3\) in \(\mathrm{FeCl}_3\)

This nomenclature aids in understanding the chemical behavior of the compound, particularly in redox reactions. It clarifies the form of the element within the compound, which is indispensable for predicting chemical reactions and for balancing chemical equations.

chemical formulas

Chemical formulas represent the composition of compounds. They use elemental symbols along with numeric subscripts to show the ratio of atoms in the compound.

Examples include:

• \(\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}\): Two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom
• \(\mathrm{NaCl}\): One sodium atom and one chlorine atom
• \(\mathrm{Ca(OH)}_2\): One calcium atom, two oxygen atoms, and two hydrogen atoms

Formulas provide a concise way of describing substances. They are fundamental in writing chemical equations, which depict reactants and products in a chemical reaction. Mastery of chemical formulas is essential for anyone studying chemistry, as it forms the basis for understanding more complex concepts in the field.