What is the correct name for the molecular compound with the formula SF_6?

• A. Sulfur hexachloride
• B. Sulfur hexafluoride
• C. Sulfur fluoride
• D. Sulfur difluoride

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements present in the molecular formula SF_6: sulfur (S) and fluorine (F).
2. Recognize that the compound is molecular (covalent) because it consists of two nonmetals.
3. Use the appropriate prefixes to indicate the number of atoms of each element: 'mono-' for 1 (usually omitted for the first element), 'di-' for 2, 'tri-' for 3, 'tetra-' for 4, 'penta-' for 5, and 'hexa-' for 6.
4. Name the first element (sulfur) without a prefix since there is only one atom of sulfur.
5. Name the second element (fluorine) with the prefix 'hexa-' to indicate six atoms, and change the ending to '-ide', resulting in 'hexafluoride'. Combine to get the full name: 'sulfur hexafluoride'.