What is the correct name for the compound P_4O_{10} that forms when elemental phosphorus is exposed to oxygen?

• A. phosphorus pentoxide
• B. tetraphosphorus pentoxide
• C. phosphorus dioxide
• D. tetraphosphorus decoxide

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular formula given: \(P_4O_{10}\), which indicates 4 phosphorus atoms and 10 oxygen atoms in the compound.
2. Recall the naming conventions for binary molecular compounds composed of two nonmetals, which use Greek prefixes to denote the number of atoms of each element.
3. Apply the prefixes: 'tetra-' for 4 phosphorus atoms and 'deca-' for 10 oxygen atoms, combined with the element names 'phosphorus' and 'oxide' respectively.
4. Combine the prefixes and element names to form the correct systematic name: 'tetraphosphorus decoxide'.
5. Note that common names like 'phosphorus pentoxide' are often used, but the systematic IUPAC name based on the molecular formula is 'tetraphosphorus decoxide'.