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Multiple Choice
What is the correct name for the compound with the formula NH4CN?
A
ammonium carbonate
B
ammonium cyanide
C
ammonium nitrate
D
ammonium chloride
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the ions present in the compound NH4CN. The formula consists of NH4+ (ammonium ion) and CN- (cyanide ion).
Recall that the name of an ionic compound is composed of the cation name followed by the anion name. Here, NH4+ is the cation ammonium, and CN- is the anion cyanide.
Combine the names of the ions to form the compound name: ammonium (for NH4+) and cyanide (for CN-).
Verify that the compound name matches the formula given, ensuring no other ions like carbonate (CO3^2-), nitrate (NO3-), or chloride (Cl-) are present.
Conclude that the correct name for NH4CN is ammonium cyanide.