Question

Which of the following names is wrong? (1) \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{7}\); dichlorine heptexide (2) \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}:\) dinitrogen tetroxide (3) \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}\) : nitrogen peroxide (4) \(\mathrm{BaO}_{2}\) : Barium peroxide

Short answer

The name nitrogen peroxide for \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}\) is wrong.

Step-by-step solution

- Analyze Formula and Name Pair for \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{7}\)

Check if the name dichlorine heptoxide accurately corresponds to the chemical formula \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{7}\). Dichlorine means two chlorine atoms, and heptoxide means seven oxygen atoms, so the name is correct.

- Analyze Formula and Name Pair for \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}\)

Check if the name dinitrogen tetroxide accurately corresponds to the chemical formula \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}\). Dinitrogen means two nitrogen atoms, and tetroxide means four oxygen atoms, so the name is correct.

- Analyze Formula and Name Pair for \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}\)

Check if the name nitrogen peroxide accurately corresponds to the chemical formula \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}\). The correct name for \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}\) is nitrogen dioxide, not nitrogen peroxide, so this name is wrong.

- Analyze Formula and Name Pair for \(\mathrm{BaO}_{2}\)

Check if the name Barium peroxide accurately corresponds to the chemical formula \(\mathrm{BaO}_{2}\). Barium peroxide correctly describes \(\mathrm{BaO}_{2}\) which consists of one barium atom and two oxygen atoms in a peroxide linkage.

Key concepts

chemical formula

A chemical formula is a way to represent the types and numbers of atoms in a compound. It uses element symbols and numerical subscripts. For example, in the formula \(\text{Cl}_2 \text{O}_7\), Cl stands for chlorine and O stands for oxygen.
The subscript 2 after Cl indicates there are two chlorine atoms. The subscript 7 after O indicates there are seven oxygen atoms.
No subscript after an element means there is one atom of that element. Chemical formulas help in understanding the composition and properties of the compound, which is key for naming in chemistry.

systematic naming

Systematic naming in chemistry involves a standard set of rules for naming chemical compounds.
This ensures that each compound has a unique and recognizable name. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) sets these rules.
For example, the name 'dichlorine heptoxide' follows IUPAC rules for naming binary molecular compounds.

• 'Di' means two, indicating two chlorine atoms.
• 'Hept' means seven, indicating seven oxygen atoms.
• 'Oxide' is used for compounds containing oxygen.

Adhering to these rules avoids confusion and ensures clear communication among chemists.

errors in chemical nomenclature

Incorrect naming of chemical compounds can lead to misunderstandings and errors. In the given exercise, most names were correct except for \(\text{NO}_2\), which was named as nitrogen peroxide. The correct name is nitrogen dioxide.
Misnaming occurs when:

• The prefixes do not match the number of atoms (like 'di-', 'tri-', etc.).
• Incorrect suffixes are used for the types of compounds.
• Common names are used instead of systematic names.

To avoid errors, always double-check the prefixes and suffixes against the IUPAC rules.
Correctly applying these rules ensures accurate communication and understanding in chemistry.