Introduction
Chemical compounds are made up of two or more elements that combine in definite proportions. These compounds can be classified into two types: ionic and molecular compounds. Molecular compounds are formed by the sharing of electrons between two or more non-metal atoms. In this article, we will discuss the chemical names and formulas for molecular compounds.
Naming Molecular Compounds
Molecular compounds are named using a system called the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) naming system. The naming system follows a set of rules that determine the name of the compound based on the elements present in it. The first element is named using its elemental name, while the second element is named using its root name with the suffix “-ide.”
Examples of Naming Molecular Compounds
Let’s take an example of a molecular compound made up of nitrogen and oxygen. The molecular formula for the compound is NO2. The first element, nitrogen, is named using its elemental name. The second element, oxygen, is named using its root name “oxide” with the suffix “-ide.” Therefore, the name of the compound is nitrogen dioxide.
Writing Chemical Formulas for Molecular Compounds
The chemical formula for a molecular compound is written using the symbols of the elements present in it. The symbol for the element is followed by a subscript indicating the number of atoms of that element present in the compound.
Examples of Writing Chemical Formulas for Molecular Compounds
Let’s take the example of nitrogen dioxide. The molecular formula for nitrogen dioxide is NO2. The subscript “2” after the oxygen atom indicates that there are two atoms of oxygen present in the compound.
Prefixes Used in Naming Molecular Compounds
Prefixes are used in the naming of molecular compounds to indicate the number of atoms of each element present in the compound. The prefixes used in the naming of molecular compounds are: – Mono: one – Di: two – Tri: three – Tetra: four – Penta: five – Hexa: six – Hepta: seven – Octa: eight – Nona: nine – Deca: ten
Examples of Prefixes Used in Naming Molecular Compounds
Let’s take the example of a compound made up of carbon and hydrogen. The molecular formula for the compound is C2H6. The prefix “di” is used to indicate that there are two atoms of carbon present in the compound. The prefix “hexa” is used to indicate that there are six atoms of hydrogen present in the compound. Therefore, the name of the compound is diethyl.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the naming and writing of chemical formulas for molecular compounds follow a set of rules that determine the name and formula of the compound based on the elements present in it. By following these rules, we can easily name and write the chemical formulas for molecular compounds.