Question

Name each of the following binary compounds, using the periodic table to determine whether the compound is likely to be ionic (containing a metal and a nonmetal) or nonionic (containing only nonmetals). a. \(\mathrm{Fe}_{3} \mathrm{P}_{2}\) b. \(\mathrm{CaBr}_{2}\) c. \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\) d. \(\mathrm{PbCl}_{4}\) e. \(\mathrm{S}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{10}\) f. \(\mathrm{Cu}_{2} \mathrm{O}\)

Short answer

a. Iron(III) Phosphide (ionic) b. Calcium Bromide (ionic) c. Dinitrogen Pentoxide (non-ionic) d. Lead(IV) Chloride (ionic) e. Disulfur Decafluoride (non-ionic) f. Copper(I) Oxide (ionic)

Step-by-step solution

Determine the compound type for \(\mathrm{Fe}_{3} \mathrm{P}_{2}\)

Examining the formula, Fe is Iron (a metal) and P is Phosphorus (a non-metal). Thus, this is an ionic compound. b.

Name the ionic compound \(\mathrm{Fe}_{3} \mathrm{P}_{2}\)

Since Fe is Iron and P is Phosphorus, and the compound is ionic, we have to name the compound based on substituting metal's original oxidation states. The name of this compound is "Iron(III) Phosphide". c.

Determine the compound type for \(\mathrm{CaBr}_{2}\)

Ca is Calcium (a metal) and Br is Bromine (a non-metal). Thus, this is an ionic compound. d.

Name the ionic compound \(\mathrm{CaBr}_{2}\)

Since Ca is Calcium and Br is Bromine, the name of this ionic compound is "Calcium Bromide". e.

Determine the compound type for \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\)

N is Nitrogen and O is Oxygen, both are non-metals. Thus, this is a nonionic compound. f.

Name the nonionic compound \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\)

Since N is Nitrogen and O is Oxygen, and the compound is non-ionic, we use a numerical prefix to indicate the number of each element. The name of this non-ionic compound is "Dinitrogen Pentoxide". g.

Determine the compound type for \(\mathrm{PbCl}_{4}\)

Pb is Lead (a metal) and Cl is Chlorine (a non-metal). Thus, this is an ionic compound. h.

Name the ionic compound \(\mathrm{PbCl}_{4}\)

Since Pb is Lead and Cl is Chlorine, and the compound is ionic, we have to name the compound based on substituting metal's original oxidation states. The name of this compound is "Lead(IV) Chloride". i.

Determine the compound type for \(\mathrm{S}_2 \mathrm{F}_{10}\)

S is Sulfur and F is Fluorine, both are non-metals. Thus, this is a nonionic compound. j.

Name the nonionic compound \(\mathrm{S}_2 \mathrm{F}_{10}\)

Since S is Sulfur and F is Fluorine, and the compound is non-ionic, we use a numerical prefix to indicate the number of each element. The name of this non-ionic compound is "Disulfur Decafluoride". k.

Determine the compound type for \(\mathrm{Cu}_2 \mathrm{O}\)

Cu is Copper (a metal) and O is Oxygen (a non-metal). Thus, this is an ionic compound. l.

Name the ionic compound \(\mathrm{Cu}_2 \mathrm{O}\)

Since Cu is Copper and O is Oxygen, and the compound is ionic, we have to name the compound based on substituting metal's original oxidation states. The name of this compound is "Copper(I) Oxide".

Key concepts

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are chemical compounds composed of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). These ions form when metals lose electrons and nonmetals gain them. Ionic bonding occurs due to the electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions.
Characteristics of ionic compounds:

• Typically composed of one metal and one nonmetal.
• Form crystalline lattice structures, which contribute to their high melting and boiling points.
• Conduct electricity when dissolved in water or melted, as the ions are free to move.

Naming an ionic compound involves stating the cation’s name first and then the anion’s name. If the metal can have more than one oxidation state, like iron or copper, the charge is indicated in parentheses using Roman numerals. For example, Fe is Iron with multiple oxidation states, and in Fe₃P₂, iron has a +3 charge, leading to the name "Iron(III) Phosphide."

Nonionic Compounds

Nonionic compounds, also known as covalent or molecular compounds, are formed by sharing electrons between nonmetals. These compounds do not contain metals, leading to different bonding and properties compared to ionic compounds.
Key features of nonionic compounds:

• Comprise only nonmetals.
• Usually have lower melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds due to weaker intermolecular forces.
• Do not conduct electricity in any state, as they do not form ions.

The naming of nonionic compounds often requires numerical prefixes to denote the number of atoms of each element in the molecule. The first element retains its elemental name, while the second element's name takes an "-ide" suffix. For example, N₂O₅ is named "Dinitrogen Pentoxide," where "di-" and "penta-" indicate the presence of two nitrogen atoms and five oxygen atoms, respectively.

Periodic Table

The Periodic Table is an essential tool in understanding chemical nomenclature, as it organizes elements based on their properties and helps in predicting how different elements will interact. The table is arranged in rows called periods and columns known as groups or families.
Important features of the Periodic Table include:

• Metals, nonmetals, and metalloids, which can be identified based on their location.
• The table's groups can help determine the likely oxidation states for elements, which is crucial when naming ionic compounds.
• Elements in the same group typically have similar properties, such as alkali metals in Group 1 being highly reactive.

Understanding the general layout and grouping of elements aids in quickly identifying whether a compound will be ionic or covalent, which is the first step in naming chemical compounds correctly.

Naming Rules

Naming chemical compounds correctly is crucial for clear communication in science. The rules for naming differ depending on whether the compound is ionic or nonionic.
For ionic compounds:

• Name the metal (cation) first, followed by the nonmetal (anion) with an "-ide" ending.
• Use Roman numerals to indicate the oxidation state of metals if they can form more than one ion (e.g., Iron(III), Copper(I)).

For nonionic compounds:

• Use prefixes to denote the number of atoms (e.g., mono-, di-, tri-), except "mono-" is often omitted for the first element.
• The second element typically ends in "-ide."

These naming conventions help avoid confusion and ensure consistency in identifying and discussing chemical substances.