NOMENCLATURA INORGÁNICA- ESTADOS DE OXIDACIÓN

Q & A

What is inorganic nomenclature?

Inorganic nomenclature refers to the system of naming inorganic compounds according to set guidelines, typically provided by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). It is used to give formal names to compounds that do not contain carbon-carbon bonds.

Can you give an example of an informal name for an inorganic compound?

An example is 'lejía,' which is informally used for sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), commonly known as bleach.

What are oxidation states in chemistry?

Oxidation states (or oxidation numbers) represent the charge an atom has when it forms a compound. They can be positive or negative depending on the electron distribution in the molecule.

What is the general oxidation state of hydrogen?

The oxidation state of hydrogen is typically +1, though it can vary in some compounds (e.g., hydrides, where it can be -1).

What is the oxidation state of oxygen in most compounds?

The oxidation state of oxygen is usually -2 in most compounds, except in peroxides or compounds with fluorine where it may differ.

How can you determine the oxidation state of an element in a compound?

To determine the oxidation state, use the general rules such as hydrogen being +1, oxygen being -2, and balance the sum of oxidation states to zero in a neutral compound.

In the compound NH₃ (ammonia), what is the oxidation state of nitrogen?

In NH₃, hydrogen has an oxidation state of +1. Since the compound is neutral, the sum of oxidation states must be zero, so nitrogen has an oxidation state of -3.

What is the oxidation state of iron in FeCl₂ (iron(II) chloride)?

In FeCl₂, chlorine (Cl) has an oxidation state of -1. Since there are two chlorine atoms, the total contribution is -2. To balance this, iron (Fe) must have an oxidation state of +2.

How do you calculate the oxidation state of an element in a compound like NH₃?

In NH₃, set up an equation where the oxidation state of nitrogen (x) plus the oxidation states of the hydrogen atoms (3×+1) equals zero. Solving x + 3(1) = 0 gives x = -3, which is the oxidation state of nitrogen.

What is the oxidation state of calcium in calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)?

In calcium hydroxide, each hydroxide (OH⁻) group has an oxidation state of -1 for oxygen. Since there are two hydroxide groups, the total negative charge is -2. To balance this, calcium (Ca) must have an oxidation state of +2.