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Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions
Chapter 3, Problem 161

Give systematic names for the following compounds: (a) NCl3 (b) P4O6 (c) S2F2

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

IUPAC Nomenclature

IUPAC nomenclature is a systematic method for naming chemical compounds, ensuring that each name conveys specific information about the compound's structure. It involves using prefixes to indicate the number of atoms of each element present in the compound, along with the appropriate suffixes to denote the type of compound (e.g., -ide for binary compounds). Understanding this system is essential for accurately naming compounds like NCl3, P4O6, and S2F2.
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Binary Compounds

Binary compounds consist of two different elements. In the context of naming, the first element is named using its elemental name, while the second element's name is modified to end in -ide. For example, in NCl3, nitrogen is the first element, and chlorine is the second, leading to the name nitrogen trichloride. Recognizing the nature of binary compounds is crucial for proper nomenclature.
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Molecular Formulas

A molecular formula indicates the number and type of atoms in a molecule, providing insight into its composition. For example, P4O6 indicates a molecule with four phosphorus atoms and six oxygen atoms. Understanding molecular formulas is vital for determining the correct systematic names, as they guide the application of naming conventions based on the number of atoms of each element present.
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