Naming Covalent Molecular Compounds

Summary

This video explains how to name covalent compounds formed from two non-metals, focusing on the differences from ionic compounds. It outlines a step-by-step process: identifying the elements, naming them with appropriate prefixes to indicate quantity, and modifying names to avoid awkward pronunciations. Key rules include omitting 'mono' for the first element and adjusting names like 'monooxide' to 'monoxide.' Examples illustrate these naming conventions, providing clarity on how to construct names for various compounds effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Covalent compounds consist of two non-metals, which are found to the right of the staircase on the periodic table.
• 😀 These compounds are held together by covalent bonds, forming distinct groups known as molecules.
• 😀 Naming covalent compounds differs from naming ionic compounds, which involve metals and non-metals.
• 😀 The first step in naming covalent compounds is to identify the first element and write its name.
• 😀 For the second element, use the IDE name (ending in -ide), which corresponds to the negative ion name.
• 😀 Prefixes are essential for indicating the number of atoms for each element in the compound.
• 😀 Common prefixes include mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, octa-, nona-, and deca-.
• 😀 When the first element has only one atom, do not use the prefix 'mono-' before its name.
• 😀 Adjust names to avoid awkward pronunciations by changing 'AO' or 'OO' combinations to just 'O'.
• 😀 Understanding these rules ensures accurate naming of covalent compounds and avoids pronunciation issues.

Q & A

What are covalent compounds?

Covalent compounds are formed from two non-metals and are held together by covalent bonds, creating groups called molecules.

How are covalent compounds named differently from ionic compounds?

Covalent compounds are named using prefixes to indicate the number of atoms, whereas ionic compounds typically involve the name of a metal and a non-metal without prefixes.

What is the significance of prefixes in naming covalent compounds?

Prefixes indicate the number of atoms of each element present in the compound, allowing for clear identification of the molecular composition.

What prefix is used for two atoms of an element?

The prefix 'di-' is used to denote two atoms of an element in a covalent compound.

What is the rule regarding the use of 'mono-' when naming the first element?

The prefix 'mono-' is not used for the first element in a covalent compound, even if there is only one atom present.

How do you name the compound N2O3?

The name for N2O3 is dinitrogen trioxide, derived from the element names nitrogen and oxide, with the appropriate prefixes indicating the number of atoms.

What adjustment is made for the name 'heptoxide' when it's used in a compound?

When 'heptoxide' appears in a name, the 'a' from 'hepta' is dropped to avoid awkward pronunciation, resulting in 'heptoxide' instead of 'hepto oxide.'

How is carbon monoxide derived from its chemical formula?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is derived by naming the compound as carbon for the first element and using 'mono-' for the second element, leading to the final name after adjusting for pronunciation.

What are the prefixes for four and five atoms, respectively?

The prefix for four atoms is 'tetra-' and for five atoms, it is 'penta-.'

Can you explain the naming process for a compound like P4S10?

For P4S10, the name is tetraphosphorus decasulfide, using 'tetra-' for four phosphorus atoms and 'deca-' for ten sulfur atoms, derived from the IDE name sulfide.