Question

9 multiple choice 10 points
what is the name for hg(no₃)₂?
mercury (i) nitrate
mercury nitrate
mercury (ii) nitrate
mercury (ii) nitride

Explanation:

• The nitrate ion (\(NO_{3}^{-}\)) has a charge of - 1. In \(Hg(NO_{3})_{2}\), since there are two \(NO_{3}^{-}\) ions, the total negative charge is - 2. For the compound to be neutral, the mercury ion (\(Hg^{x+}\)) must have a charge \(x = 2\) (because \(+2+2\times(-1)=0\)). So the oxidation state of mercury is + 2.
• The suffix “-ate” is used for nitrate (\(NO_{3}^{-}\)), while “-ide” is for simple ions like \(N^{3 -}\) (nitride).

Answer:

mercury (II) nitrate