What is the correct name for the molecular compound P_4O_{10}?

• A. tetraphosphorus decoxide
• B. tetraphosphorus pentoxide
• C. diphosphorus pentoxide
• D. phosphorus(IV) oxide

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements present in the compound P_4O_{10}. Here, P stands for phosphorus and O stands for oxygen.
2. Determine the number of atoms of each element in the compound: there are 4 phosphorus atoms and 10 oxygen atoms.
3. Recall the naming rules for molecular (covalent) compounds: use prefixes to indicate the number of atoms of each element. The prefixes are: mono- (1), di- (2), tri- (3), tetra- (4), penta- (5), deca- (10), etc.
4. Apply the prefixes to the elements: for 4 phosphorus atoms, use 'tetraphosphorus'; for 10 oxygen atoms, use 'decoxide' (note that 'oxide' is used for oxygen, and the prefix 'deca-' changes to 'deco-' before a vowel).
5. Combine the prefixes and element names to form the correct name: 'tetraphosphorus decoxide'.