Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct IUPAC name for SO₂?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Molecular Compounds
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What is the correct name for the molecular compound P2O3?
A
Diphosphorus pentoxide
B
Diphosphorus trioxide
C
Phosphorus dioxide
D
Phosphorus trioxide
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the elements in the compound: P (phosphorus) and O (oxygen).
Determine the number of atoms of each element from the formula P2O3: there are 2 phosphorus atoms and 3 oxygen atoms.
Recall the naming rules for molecular (covalent) compounds: use prefixes to indicate the number of atoms (mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, etc.). The prefix 'di-' means 2 and 'tri-' means 3.
Name the first element with its full name and the appropriate prefix (except 'mono-' is usually omitted for the first element). So, 'diphosphorus' for P2.
Name the second element with its prefix and change the ending to '-oxide' for oxygen. So, 'trioxide' for O3. Combine to get 'diphosphorus trioxide'.
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