What is the correct name for the ionic compound (NH_4)_2C_2O_4?

• A. Ammonium sulfate
• B. Ammonium carbonate
• C. Ammonium acetate
• D. Ammonium oxalate

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the cation and anion in the compound (NH_4)_2C_2O_4. The cation is ammonium, NH_4^+, and the anion is C_2O_4^{2-}, which is the oxalate ion.
2. Recall that the ammonium ion (NH_4^+) is a common polyatomic cation, and the oxalate ion (C_2O_4^{2-}) is a polyatomic anion derived from oxalic acid.
3. Understand that the formula (NH_4)_2C_2O_4 indicates two ammonium ions balancing the charge of one oxalate ion, forming an ionic compound.
4. Use the naming convention for ionic compounds: name the cation first (ammonium) followed by the name of the anion (oxalate).
5. Conclude that the correct name for (NH_4)_2C_2O_4 is ammonium oxalate, not ammonium sulfate, ammonium carbonate, or ammonium acetate.