What is the correct name for the ionic compound with the formula Ba3N2?

• A. tribarium dinitride
• B. barium nitrate
• C. barium(II) nitride
• D. barium nitride

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the cation and anion in the formula \(\mathrm{Ba_3N_2}\). Here, \(\mathrm{Ba}\) is the cation (barium) and \(\mathrm{N}\) is the anion (nitride).
2. Determine the charges of the ions: Barium is an alkaline earth metal in Group 2, so it forms \(\mathrm{Ba^{2+}}\) ions. Nitrogen typically forms the nitride ion \(\mathrm{N^{3-}}\).
3. Check the ratio of ions in the formula to ensure charge neutrality. The formula \(\mathrm{Ba_3N_2}\) means there are 3 barium ions and 2 nitride ions. The total positive charge is \(3 \times (+2) = +6\), and the total negative charge is \(2 \times (-3) = -6\), so the compound is neutral.
4. Name the compound by stating the cation name first (barium) followed by the anion name with the suffix '-ide' (nitride). Since barium has a fixed charge, no Roman numeral is needed.
5. Confirm that the correct name is 'barium nitride' and not any other option that includes incorrect prefixes or polyatomic ions.