Question

naming and writing ionic and covalent bonds independent practice
period:___ date:___
directions: write the names of the following covalent compounds:

1. so₃_____
2. n₂s_____
3. ph₃_____
4. bf₃_____
5. p₂br₄_____

Explanation:

For covalent compounds, we use prefixes to indicate the number of each type of atom. The prefixes are: mono - 1, di - 2, tri - 3, tetra - 4, penta - 5, hexa - 6, hepta - 7, octa - 8, nona - 9, deca - 10. The second element in the name has the suffix - ide.

1. For \(SO_3\), there is 1 sulfur (no prefix for mono when it is the first element in some common cases) and 3 oxygens. The name is sulfur trioxide.
2. For \(N_2S\), there are 2 nitrogens and 1 sulfur. The name is dinitrogen sulfide.
3. For \(PH_3\), there is 1 phosphorus (no prefix) and 3 hydrogens. The name is phosphorus trihydride (also commonly called phosphine).
4. For \(BF_3\), there is 1 boron (no prefix) and 3 fluorines. The name is boron trifluoride.
5. For \(P_2Br_4\), there are 2 phosphorous and 4 bromines. The name is diphosphorus tetrabromide.

Answer:

1. Sulfur trioxide
2. Dinitrogen sulfide
3. Phosphorus trihydride (or phosphine)
4. Boron trifluoride
5. Diphosphorus tetrabromide