Which of the following is the correct IUPAC name for Au2O3?

• A. Digold trioxide
• B. Aurate oxide
• C. Gold(I) oxide
• D. Gold(III) oxide

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements and their quantities in the compound Au2O3: there are 2 gold (Au) atoms and 3 oxygen (O) atoms.
2. Determine the oxidation state of gold in Au2O3 by using the fact that oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2.
3. Set up the equation for the total charge balance: let the oxidation state of gold be x, then 2(x) + 3(-2) = 0.
4. Solve the equation for x to find the oxidation state of gold in the compound.
5. Use the oxidation state found to write the correct IUPAC name as 'Gold(III) oxide', indicating gold has a +3 oxidation state.