Give systematic names for the following compounds: (c) NaH₂PO₄

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the cation and anion in the compound. NaH_2PO_4 consists of the sodium cation (Na^+) and the dihydrogen phosphate anion (H_2PO_4^-).
2. Name the cation first. The cation is sodium (Na^+), so the first part of the name is 'sodium'.
3. Name the anion. The anion is dihydrogen phosphate (H_2PO_4^-), so the second part of the name is 'dihydrogen phosphate'.
4. Combine the names of the cation and anion. The systematic name of the compound is 'sodium dihydrogen phosphate'.
5. Ensure the name reflects the correct stoichiometry and charge balance of the compound. Sodium dihydrogen phosphate is the correct name as it reflects the composition and charge of the compound.

Key Concepts

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed from the electrostatic attraction between positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. In the case of NaH2PO4, sodium (Na+) acts as the cation, while the dihydrogen phosphate ion (H2PO4-) serves as the anion. Understanding the nature of ionic bonds is essential for naming these compounds systematically.

Systematic Naming Conventions

Systematic naming conventions, such as those outlined by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), provide a standardized method for naming chemical compounds. For ionic compounds, the cation is named first followed by the anion. In NaH2PO4, the systematic name is sodium dihydrogen phosphate, reflecting the composition and charge of the ions involved.

Polyatomic Ions

Polyatomic ions are ions composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded, which carry a net charge. In NaH2PO4, the dihydrogen phosphate ion (H2PO4-) is a key polyatomic ion. Recognizing common polyatomic ions and their charges is crucial for correctly naming compounds that contain them.