Question

\(\mathrm{B}\) The "Chemistry in Focus" segment Sugar of Lead discusses \(\mathrm{Pb}\left(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2}\right)_{2},\) which originally was known as sugar of lead. a. Why was it called sugar of lead? b. What is the systematic name for \(\mathrm{Pb}\left(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2}\right)_{2} ?\) c. Why is it necessary to have a system for the naming of chemical compounds?

Short answer

The chemical compound "Sugar of Lead," \(\mathrm{Pb}\left(\mathrm{C}_{2}\mathrm{H}_{3}\mathrm{O}_{2}\right)_{2}\), was named so because of its sweet taste and resemblance to table sugar. The systematic name for this compound is Lead(II) Acetate. Having a systematic naming system for chemical compounds is essential to provide a standard, universal way of communication among scientists, convey crucial information about the compounds, and facilitate organization, classification, and storage of chemical information in databases.

Step-by-step solution

Question a: Why was it called sugar of lead?

Sugar of lead was given that name due to its sweet taste and similarity in appearance to table sugar. Historically, alchemists discovered that when lead was combined with vinegar, the resulting compound tasted sweet. Sugar of lead is toxic, and this sweet taste made it more dangerous, as those who consumed it did not realize that they were ingesting a poisonous substance.

Question b: What is the systematic name for \(\mathrm{Pb}\left(\mathrm{C}_{2}\mathrm{H}_{3}\mathrm{O}_{2}\right)_{2}?\)

To find the systematic name of this compound, we first need to identify the ions involved in the compound. We can see that the compound consists of Pb (lead) and C₂H₃O₂ (acetate) ions. The chemical formula can be written as Pb(Acetate)₂, with a 2 subscript indicating that there are two acetate ions bonded with the lead ion. The systematic name for this compound is Lead(II) Acetate. The (II) refers to the fact that lead in this compound has a charge of +2, which is necessary to know since lead can exist in various oxidation states. This demonstrates the importance of using the systematic naming system to convey accurate information about chemical compounds.

Question c: Why is it necessary to have a system for the naming of chemical compounds?

A systematic naming system for chemical compounds is essential for several reasons: 1. It provides a standard and universal way of naming compounds. This allows scientists and researchers from all around the world to communicate effectively, avoiding confusion and misunderstandings. 2. It ensures that the names convey important information about the compounds, such as the elements involved, their proportions (stoichiometry), and the oxidation states of the elements. 3. The systematic naming system can handle a vast number of possible compounds, giving each a unique and unambiguous name. This becomes especially important as new compounds are discovered and synthesized. 4. It facilitates the organization, classification, and storage of chemical information in databases, which are crucial for a wide range of scientific research, industry applications, and regulatory purposes. Together, these reasons highlight the importance of having a system for the naming of chemical compounds, ensuring clarity and consistency within the scientific community.

Key concepts

Lead(II) Acetate

Lead(II) Acetate, known historically as sugar of lead, is a fascinating compound due to its sweet taste and toxic nature. This compound, \( \mathrm{Pb} \left( \mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2} \right)_{2} \), has a crystalline structure that looks somewhat like table sugar, contributing to its misleadingly pleasant nickname. Historically, when lead was mixed with vinegar, alchemists discovered this sweet-tasting substance. It's crucial to remember, however, that Lead(II) Acetate is poisonous. The sweet taste led to accidental poisonings, providing a deadly example of how looks and taste can sometimes be dangerously deceiving. Fortunately, the systematic naming of this compound helps us precisely identify and communicate its chemical nature, reducing the risk of misuse.

Systematic Naming of Compounds

The systematic naming of compounds is a methodical way to assign names to chemicals based on their composition and structure. To name \( \mathrm{Pb} \left( \mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2} \right)_{2} \), we identify the lead ion (Pb) and the acetate ion (C₂H₃O₂). By following these steps:

• Identify the cation (lead in this case) and its charge, noting that lead can have multiple oxidation states.
• Recognize the anion (acetate) and its charge.
• Combine them appropriately, using a subscript to indicate the number of ions.
• Name the compound as Lead(II) Acetate, where (II) indicates that lead has a +2 charge here.

This systematic approach ensures each compound has a precise and standard name, reflecting important chemical information like charge and composition, crucial for scientific communication.

Importance of Standardized Chemical Naming

Standardized chemical naming is fundamental to science. Its significance can be broken down into several key points:

• **Universal Communication:** By adhering to standard naming conventions, scientists worldwide understand each other without confusion. This consistency is vital, especially in international research collaborations.
• **Informative Names:** Names provide information about elements, stoichiometry, and oxidation states, supporting accurate knowledge sharing and understanding.
• **Handling Complexity:** With countless compounds existing and more being created, a systematic naming system manages this complexity by ensuring each can be uniquely and unambiguously identified.
• **Data Organization:** Facilitates efficient data storage, classification, and retrieval in scientific databases, supporting research, industry, and regulatory processes.

Overall, standardized chemical naming safeguards clarity and precision across scientific disciplines, preventing misunderstandings that could lead to errors in research or application.