In naming binary molecular compounds, what is the correct name for the compound $N_2{O}_3$?

• A. Nitrogen(III) oxide
• B. Dinitrogen trioxide
• C. Trinitrogen dioxide
• D. Dinitrogen monoxide

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements in the compound: here, the compound is composed of nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O).
2. Determine the number of atoms of each element from the subscripts: there are 2 nitrogen atoms and 3 oxygen atoms, as indicated by the subscripts 2 and 3 respectively.
3. Use the prefixes for the number of atoms: 'di-' for 2 and 'tri-' for 3. These prefixes are used to indicate the number of atoms of each element in binary molecular compounds.
4. Name the first element using its full name with the appropriate prefix (except 'mono-' is usually omitted for the first element if there is only one atom). So, 'dinitrogen' for 2 nitrogen atoms.
5. Name the second element with its prefix and change its ending to '-ide'. For 3 oxygen atoms, use 'trioxide'. Combine these to get the full name: 'dinitrogen trioxide'.