When naming a binary molecular compound that contains oxygen and one other element, what ending is typically used for the oxygen-containing part of the compound?

• A. -ite
• B. -ous
• C. -ide
• D. -ate

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that binary molecular compounds consist of two different nonmetal elements bonded together.
2. Recall that when naming such compounds, the element that is more metallic (or less electronegative) is named first, followed by the more electronegative element.
3. For the second element (in this case, oxygen), the ending of its name is changed to '-ide' to indicate it is part of a binary compound.
4. Note that endings like '-ite' and '-ate' are typically used for polyatomic ions containing oxygen, not for simple binary molecular compounds.
5. Similarly, '-ous' is used in naming certain acids or ionic compounds with variable oxidation states, but not in binary molecular compounds with oxygen.