Question

Name each of the following binary compounds of nonmetallic elements. a.\(IFs\) b. \(\mathrm{AsCl}_{3}\) c.\( SeO\) d. \(\mathrm{XeF}_{4}\) e. \(\mathrm{NI}_{3}\) f. \(B_{2} O_{3}\)

Short answer

The names of the given binary compounds are: a. Iodine pentafluoride b. Arsenic trichloride c. Selenium monoxide d. Xenon tetrafluoride e. Nitrogen triiodide f. Diboron trioxide

Step-by-step solution

a. Name IFs

This is a compound made of iodine and fluorine atoms. The compound has just one iodine atom and five fluorine atoms. So, the name of this compound is iodine pentafluoride.

b. Name AsCl3

This is a compound made of arsenic and chlorine atoms. There is one arsenic atom and three chlorine atoms in the compound. Therefore, the name of this compound is arsenic trichloride.

c. Name SeO

This compound is made of selenium and oxygen. The compound has one selenium atom and one oxygen atom. So, the name of this compound is selenium monoxide.

d. Name XeF4

This compound is made of xenon and fluorine. There is one xenon atom and four fluorine atoms present in the compound. Thus, the name of the compound is xenon tetrafluoride.

e. Name NI3

This compound is made of nitrogen and iodine atoms. The compound has one nitrogen atom and three iodine atoms. The name of this compound is nitrogen triiodide.

f. Name B2O3

This compound consists of boron and oxygen atoms. It has two boron atoms and three oxygen atoms. The name of this compound is diboron trioxide.

Key concepts

Binary Compounds

Binary compounds are made up of exactly two different elements. The elements can either be metallic or nonmetallic. In the context of chemistry, understanding binary compounds is crucial as they form the basis of understanding more complex structures. These compounds are often the simplest combinations that can be found, yet they reveal a lot about how elements interact.
When naming binary compounds, the composition of the two elements becomes important. The name often reflects both the types and numbers of atoms involved.
This is where prefixes like "mono-, di-, tri-" come into play. They help represent the number of atoms of each element within the compound. Understanding binary compounds, therefore, lays a foundation for diving into more advanced chemistry topics.

Nonmetallic Elements

Nonmetallic elements are typically found on the right side of the periodic table. These elements are characterized by their lack of metallic properties such as malleability, conductivity, and luster.
They include elements like oxygen, nitrogen, fluorine, and selenium. These elements form covalent bonds, which means they share electrons with other nonmetals to achieve stability.
In binary compounds involving nonmetals, the ability of these elements to share electrons leads to the formation of molecules. Nonmetal elements are crucial in forming a variety of compounds, from the gases we breathe to the complex organic molecules that make up living organisms. Understanding these elements helps us grasp why and how compounds are named the way they are.

Chemical Nomenclature

Chemical nomenclature is a systematic way of naming chemical compounds. It ensures that each compound has its own unique name, making it easier to identify and communicate about specific substances.
For binary compounds, the naming process involves identifying the elements involved and their respective quantities. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) provides the guidelines for naming these compounds.
The suffix '-ide' is often used in binary compounds, indicating the second element in the compound. For example, in "iodine pentafluoride", "pentafluoride" signifies five fluorine atoms combined with iodine. This naming system allows for consistency and clarity across different languages and scientific communities.

Compound Naming Rules

The rules for naming binary compounds are structured to provide clear and descriptive names. In naming compounds, the element furthest to the left on the periodic table, which is usually more metallic, is named first.
The second element's name is modified to end in '-ide'.

• Prefixes are used to denote the number of atoms when there are two nonmetal elements involved. "Mono-" is used only for the second element if present, so carbon monoxide is CO, not monocarbon monoxide.
• Examples include "dioxide" for two oxygen atoms, "trichloride" for three chlorine atoms, and "pentafluoride" for five fluorine atoms.

These rules help avoid confusion and ensure that anyone familiar with the rules can deduce the formula from the name, or vice versa. By following these conventions, chemists have created a universal language for describing chemical compounds.