Question

Write a formula for each molecular compound. (a) chlorine monoxide (b) xenon tetroxide (c) xenon hexafluoride (d) carbon tetrabromide (e) diboron tetrachloride (f) tetraphosphorus triselenide

Short answer

The chemical formulas are (a) ClO, (b) XeO4, (c) XeF6, (d) CBr4, (e) B2Cl4, (f) P4Se3.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Elements

Determine the elements in the compound based on the name. The prefix (e.g., mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-) indicates the number of atoms of each element.

Write the Chemical Symbols

Write down the symbol for each element in the compound. Chlorine is Cl, xenon is Xe, carbon is C, boron is B, phosphorus is P, and selenium is Se.

Translate the Prefixes to Subscripts

Use the prefixes in the names to write the subscripts for each element. Mono- is 1, di- is 2, tri- is 3, tetra- is 4, hexa- is 6.

Combine the Symbols and Subscripts

Combine the symbols from step 2 and the subscripts from step 3 to write the formulas. Omit the subscript '1'.

Write the Formulas

Write down the chemical formulas for each compound: (a) ClO, (b) XeO4, (c) XeF6, (d) CBr4, (e) B2Cl4, (f) P4Se3.

Key concepts

Chemical Nomenclature

Understanding the language of chemistry is crucial for grasping the principles behind science's most basic elements. In this context, chemical nomenclature plays a vital role. It's a systematic way to name chemical substances, ensuring that each compound has a unique and universally accepted name.

Traditional nomenclature uses a combination of prefixes, root names, and suffixes to convey the composition of a compound. For example, in naming molecular compounds (those consisting of non-metal atoms bonded together), prefixes indicate the number of atoms, while the root name reflects the main element and a suffix, often '-ide', denotes the type of compound or the presence of another element.

It's important to get acquainted with the rules of chemical nomenclature to accurately communicate in the scientific community and to recognize the composition of various compounds at a glance.

Molecular Compounds Naming

The naming of molecular compounds follows a methodic system that, once learned, makes the language of chemistry more accessible. Each part of a compound's name provides specific information about its elements and the number of atoms present.

A compound such as 'diboron tetrachloride' tells us directly that the molecule consists of two boron (B) atoms and four chlorine (Cl) atoms. Furthermore, the lack of a metallic element implies that we're dealing with a molecular compound, rather than an ionic one. Di- and tetra- are examples of prefixes used in this naming system, which are essential to determine the correct formula of the compound.

Prefixes in Chemistry

In chemistry, prefixes are like clues to a puzzle; they help us decipher the number of atoms in a compound. These prefixes are derived from Greek or Latin numbers and are standardized.

• Mono- means one, but it is often omitted when it pertains to the first element.
• Di- stands for two.
• Tri- symbolizes three.
• Tetra- equates to four.
• Penta- indicates five, and so on.

These prefixes are integral in the language of chemistry because they maintain consistency and accuracy when communicating compound structures, allowing scientists and students alike to build and understand chemical formulas effectively.

Chemical Symbols and Subscripts

The real essence of chemical formulas lies in the combination of chemical symbols and subscripts. Each element has a unique one or two-letter symbol—like Cl for chlorine, or C for carbon—which represents atoms of that element. Subscripts, the small numbers written to the lower right of the symbols, indicate the number of atoms of the element in the compound.

For instance, the formula for carbon tetrabromide is 'CBr4'. The symbol 'C' stands for carbon and 'Br' for bromine, while the subscript '4' tells us that there are four bromine atoms bonded to one carbon atom. If no subscript is written, as in chlorine monoxide (ClO), it's understood that one atom of each element is present. Subscripts are a critical aspect of chemical formulas, providing an unambiguous method to describe the composition of substances.