Question

Write down the names of compounds represented by the following formulae: (i)${\mathrm{Al}}_2{\left({\mathrm{SO}}_4\right)}_3$(ii)${\mathrm{CaCl}}_2$ (iii) ${\mathrm{K}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$(iv) ${\mathrm{KNO}}_3$(v) ${\mathrm{CaCO}}_3$

Answer 1

Chemical compound names:

• Chemical compound names can vary from simple to highly complex.
• There are various steps involved while naming the chemical compound.

The naming of compounds:

• While naming it should be remembered that the name should be specific.
• There are various steps involved while naming the compound.
• Before naming the compound identify if it is ionic or covalent.
• As the ionic bond is between metal and non-metal while noncovalent between two non-metals.
• Write the first letter of metal in capital letters and non-metal in small letters.
• The First word in the compound name should be of metal while the second of non-metal ends with “ide” or “ate”.

(i)${\mathrm{Al}}_2{\left({\mathrm{SO}}_4\right)}_3$

• The ions present in the compound are Aluminum ion $\left({\mathrm{Al}}^{3+}\right)$and Sulphate ion $\left({{\mathrm{SO}}_4}^{2-}\right)$.
• The name of the compound will be Aluminium sulfate.
• It is an odorless, colorless salt and sand-like solid.
• It is used in sewage treatment, making of paper, and purification of water.
• It is commonly known as an alum or papermaker's alum.

(ii)${\mathrm{CaCl}}_2$

• The ions present in the compound are Calcium ion $\left({\mathrm{Ca}}^{2+}\right)$ and Chloride ion$\left({\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}\right)$.
• The name of the compound will be Calcium chloride.
• It is a white crystalline solid and is highly soluble in water.
• It is used for dust control, additive in plastic, wastewater treatment, and on roads to protect it from damage.

(iii)${\mathrm{K}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$

• The ions present in the compound are Potassium ion$\left({\mathrm{K}}^{+}\right)$ and Sulphate ion $\left({{\mathrm{SO}}_4}^{2-}\right)$.
• The name of the compound will be Potassium sulfate.
• It is also known as sulfate of potash or arcanite.
• It is used as fertilizer as it contains both sulfur and potassium.
• It is also used in the manufacturing of glass artillery propellant charges.

(iv) ${\mathrm{KNO}}_3$

• The ions present in the compound are Potassium ion $\left({\mathrm{K}}^{+}\right)$ and Nitrate ion$\left({{\mathrm{NO}}_3}^{-}\right)$.
• The name of the compound will be Potassium nitrate.
• It is also known as saltpeter or niter.
• It is a white solid soluble in water formed by fractional crystallization.
• It is used in gunpowder, fertilizer, and the preparation of nitric acid.

(v) ${\mathrm{CaCO}}_3$

• The ions present in the compound are Calcium ion $\left({\mathrm{Ca}}^{2+}\right)$ and Carbonate ion$\left({{\mathrm{CO}}_3}^{2-}\right)$.
• The name of the compound will be Calcium carbonate
• It is found in rocks, aragonite, eggshells, and pearls.
• It is used in the construction industry, purification of iron, refining of sugar, and as an extender of paints.
• It is commonly known as Limestone.