What is the correct chemical name for the compound NH4SCN?

• A. Ammonium thiosulfate
• B. Ammonium thiocyanate
• C. Ammonium cyanate
• D. Ammonium sulfate

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the ions present in the compound NH4SCN. NH4 is the ammonium ion, and SCN is the thiocyanate ion.
2. Recall the names of common polyatomic ions: SCN corresponds to the thiocyanate ion, not sulfate, cyanate, or thiosulfate.
3. Combine the names of the cation and anion to name the compound: ammonium (NH4+) and thiocyanate (SCN-).
4. Verify that the compound name matches the formula by ensuring the charges balance to form a neutral compound.
5. Conclude that the correct chemical name for NH4SCN is ammonium thiocyanate.