Give systematic names for the following compounds: (f) (NH₄)₂SO₄

Key Concepts

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed from the electrostatic attraction between positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). In the case of ammonium sulfate, (NH4)2SO4, ammonium (NH4+) acts as the cation, while sulfate (SO4^2-) is the anion. Understanding the nature of these ions is crucial for naming and identifying ionic compounds.

Nomenclature Rules

The systematic naming of chemical compounds follows specific nomenclature rules established by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). For ionic compounds, the cation is named first followed by the anion. In ammonium sulfate, the name reflects the cation 'ammonium' and the anion 'sulfate', which is essential for correctly identifying the compound.

Polyatomic Ions

Polyatomic ions are ions composed of two or more atoms that are covalently bonded and carry a net charge. In ammonium sulfate, the ammonium ion (NH4+) and the sulfate ion (SO4^2-) are both polyatomic ions. Recognizing these ions is vital for understanding the structure and naming of compounds that contain them.