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Multiple Choice
What is the correct name for the ionic compound Al_2O_3?
A
Dialuminum trioxide
B
Aluminum(III) oxide
C
Aluminum dioxide
D
Aluminum oxide
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the ions involved in the compound Al_2O_3. Aluminum (Al) typically forms a +3 charge ion (Al^{3+}), and oxygen (O) forms a -2 charge ion (O^{2-}).
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the overall charge. Since Al has a +3 charge and O has a -2 charge, find the smallest whole number ratio that balances the charges: 2 Al^{3+} ions give +6 charge, and 3 O^{2-} ions give -6 charge, resulting in a neutral compound.
Name the cation first, which is aluminum. Since aluminum forms only one common oxidation state (+3), there is no need to specify the charge with Roman numerals in the name.
Name the anion second, which is oxygen. Change the ending of oxygen to '-ide' to form 'oxide'.
Combine the names of the cation and anion to get the correct name: 'Aluminum oxide'. This is the standard naming convention for ionic compounds where the metal has a fixed charge.