What is the correct name for the molecular compound N2O5?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements present in the compound: N (nitrogen) and O (oxygen).
2. Determine the number of atoms of each element from the formula N2O5: there are 2 nitrogen atoms and 5 oxygen atoms.
3. Use the appropriate prefixes for the number of atoms: 'di-' for 2 and 'penta-' for 5.
4. Name the first element (nitrogen) with its prefix: 'dinitrogen'.
5. Name the second element (oxygen) with its prefix and change the ending to '-oxide': 'pentoxide', resulting in the full name 'dinitrogen pentoxide'.