Chapter 8, Problem 88A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Naming of molecular compounds are needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

A binary compound comprises of two nonmetal atoms. For naming this compound, first write the name of first element, then second element formula is named by using its root and adding suffix-ide.

Answer to Problem 88A

For writing name of molecular compounds identify the elements. Write the symbol of the elements. The first element name is written first. After that second element name is written by its root with suffix −ide. Prefix is used to identify the atom’s number in each element.

Explanation of Solution

Prefix in covalent compounds are listed below:

Number of atoms	Prefix	Number of atoms	Prefix
1	mono-	6	hexa-
2	di-	7	hepta-
3	tri-	8	octa-
4	tetra-	9	nona-
5	penta-	10	deca-

Mono- prefix is never used while writing in the first element name.

Consider a molecule ${\text{SeO}}_2$ and write its name according to the naming rule of compounds. First element of this molecule is Se, so, its name is written first. The symbol Se represents selenium.

The second element is oxygen and it is named by its root −ox by adding −ide. In this molecule, number of Se is one and O is 2. So, prefix di is used. Hence, the name of the molecule is selenium dioxide.

Conclusion

Ionic compounds have common names in addition to their scientific ones.