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Multiple Choice
What is the correct name for the compound with the formula NH4HCO3?
A
Ammonium bicarbonate
B
Ammonium hydroxide
C
Ammonium hydrogen carbonate
D
Ammonium carbonate
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the ions present in the compound NH4HCO3. The formula contains NH4+, which is the ammonium ion, and HCO3-, which is the bicarbonate (or hydrogen carbonate) ion.
Recall that the ammonium ion (NH4+) is a positively charged polyatomic ion commonly named 'ammonium'.
Recognize that HCO3- is the bicarbonate ion, also known as hydrogen carbonate, which is the conjugate base of carbonic acid with one hydrogen atom still attached.
Combine the names of the cation and anion to form the compound's name. Since NH4+ is ammonium and HCO3- is bicarbonate (or hydrogen carbonate), the compound can be named ammonium bicarbonate or ammonium hydrogen carbonate.
Understand that 'ammonium bicarbonate' and 'ammonium hydrogen carbonate' are both correct names, but 'ammonium bicarbonate' is the more commonly used and accepted name in chemical nomenclature.