What is the correct name for the molecular compound N_2O_3?

• A. Nitrogen trioxide
• B. Nitrogen dioxide
• C. Dinitrogen pentoxide
• D. Dinitrogen trioxide

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements in the compound: N_2O_3 consists of nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O).
2. Determine the number of atoms of each element: there are 2 nitrogen atoms and 3 oxygen atoms.
3. Use the appropriate prefixes to indicate the number of atoms: 'di-' for 2 and 'tri-' for 3.
4. Name the first element with its prefix (except 'mono-' is usually omitted for the first element), so 'dinitrogen'.
5. Name the second element with its prefix and change the ending to '-ide', so 'trioxide'. Combine to get 'dinitrogen trioxide'.