Multiple Choice
When naming a binary molecular compound that contains oxygen and one other element, what ending is typically used for the oxygen-containing part of the compound?
76
views
3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Molecular Compounds
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct name for the molecular compound OF_2?
A
oxygen difluoride
B
dioxygen fluoride
C
oxygen fluoride
D
fluorine oxide
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the elements present in the compound OF_2: oxygen (O) and fluorine (F).
Determine the number of atoms of each element in the molecule: 1 oxygen atom and 2 fluorine atoms.
Recall the naming rules for molecular (covalent) compounds: use prefixes to indicate the number of atoms (mono-, di-, tri-, etc.), and the more electronegative element is named last with an '-ide' suffix.
Apply the prefixes: since there is one oxygen atom, the prefix 'mono-' is often omitted for the first element; for two fluorine atoms, use the prefix 'di-'.
Combine the names: 'oxygen' for O and 'difluoride' for F_2, resulting in the correct name 'oxygen difluoride'.
Related Videos
Related Practice
