Question

Provide the formula for each of the following binary molecular compounds: (a) chlorine dioxide (b) sulfur tetrafluoride (c) iodine monochloride (d) nitrogen monoxide

Short answer

(a) ClO₂, (b) SF₄, (c) ICl, (d) NO.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the components of the compound

Binary molecular compounds are composed of two non-metal elements. Each element in the compound is represented using its chemical symbol from the periodic table. The prefix indicates the number of atoms of the element present in the molecule. For example, 'mono-' means one, 'di-' means two, and 'tetra-' means four.

Break down the compound names

Examine each compound name to identify the elements and the prefixes: - (a) Chlorine dioxide: 'chlorine' and 'di-' (two oxygen atoms) - (b) Sulfur tetrafluoride: 'sulfur' and 'tetra-' (four fluorine atoms) - (c) Iodine monochloride: 'iodine' and 'mono-' (one chlorine atom, even though 'mono-' is often omitted) - (d) Nitrogen monoxide: 'nitrogen' and 'mono-' (one oxygen atom, even though 'mono-' can be omitted in writing the formula)

Write each chemical formula

Combine the chemical symbols with the appropriate subscript numbers from the prefixes: - (a) Chlorine dioxide: Chlorine is Cl, oxygen is O, so the formula is ClO₂. - (b) Sulfur tetrafluoride: Sulfur is S, fluorine is F, so the formula is SF₄. - (c) Iodine monochloride: Iodine is I, chlorine is Cl, so the formula is ICl. - (d) Nitrogen monoxide: Nitrogen is N, oxygen is O, so the formula is NO.

Key concepts

Chemical Formulas

Chemical formulas are shorthand representations of chemical compounds using chemical symbols. When working with binary molecular compounds, it's important to recognize that these formulas consist of two non-metal elements. Each element in the compound is denoted by its chemical symbol, which is derived from the periodic table. To complete the formula, we combine the symbols with numerical subscripts, which indicate the quantity of each type of atom present in the molecule. For instance, in the compound sulfur tetrafluoride, the chemical formula is written as \( SF_4 \). Here, "S" represents sulfur, and "F" stands for fluorine, accompanied by a subscript "4" to indicate four fluorine atoms. Subscripts are crucial as they demonstrate the composition of the molecule precisely, ensuring clarity in chemical communication.
By learning how to interpret and write chemical formulas, students can better understand the composition and properties of various compounds, aiding in a deeper grasp of chemical reactions and molecular interactions.

Non-Metal Elements

Non-metal elements primarily occupy the right side of the periodic table and exhibit unique properties distinct from metals. These elements, such as nitrogen, oxygen, chlorine, iodine, fluorine, and sulfur, are vital for forming binary molecular compounds. Non-metals tend to share electrons when they form bonds with other non-metals, leading to the creation of molecules.
This electron-sharing results in covalent bonds, which are a hallmark of the molecular compounds we encounter. For example, in chlorine dioxide \( ClO_2 \), both chlorine and oxygen share electrons to achieve more stable electronic configurations. Understanding the nature and role of non-metal elements plays a pivotal role in constructing chemical formulas and appreciating the behavior of molecular compounds.
Furthermore, by becoming familiar with the non-metal elements, students can predict patterns in bonding and molecular formations, giving insight into how these compounds might interact within broader chemical systems.

Prefixes in Chemistry

Prefixes in chemistry provide crucial information about the number of atoms of each element in a binary molecular compound. These prefixes are derived from Greek or Latin and are integral to the naming conventions seen in chemical nomenclature. Common prefixes include "mono-" for one, "di-" for two, "tri-" for three, "tetra-" for four, and "penta-" for five. When you see a compound like sulfur tetrafluoride \( SF_4 \), the prefix "tetra-" informs us that there are four fluorine atoms bonded to a single sulfur atom.
This system of prefixes allows chemists to convey the exact structure and composition of a compound without ambiguity. It should be noted, however, that the prefix "mono-" is frequently omitted in the name, although it remains implicit in the formula. For instance, nitrogen monoxide \( NO \) is frequently referred to simply as "nitric oxide" in more casual contexts.
Familiarity with these prefixes enhances the learning and application of chemical naming conventions, improving students’ ability to write and understand chemical formulas effectively.