What is the correct name for the molecular compound with the formula S_2F_{10}?

• A. Sulfur hexafluoride
• B. Disulfur pentafluoride
• C. Disulfur decafluoride
• D. Sulfur difluoride

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements present in the molecular formula \(S_2F_{10}\): sulfur (S) and fluorine (F).
2. Determine the number of atoms of each element: 2 sulfur atoms and 10 fluorine atoms.
3. Recall the naming rules for molecular (covalent) compounds: use prefixes to indicate the number of atoms of each element (mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, octa-, nona-, deca-).
4. Name the first element (sulfur) with the appropriate prefix for 2 atoms, which is 'di-', resulting in 'disulfur'.
5. Name the second element (fluorine) with the prefix for 10 atoms, which is 'deca-', and modify the element name to end with '-fluoride', resulting in 'decafluoride'. Combine both parts to get 'disulfur decafluoride'.