Which Rule Should Be Followed When Naming Binary Acids?
Binary acids are compounds composed of hydrogen and a single nonmetallic element. These compounds play a significant role in various chemical reactions and are essential in many industrial processes. However, naming binary acids can sometimes be challenging, as it requires following specific rules. In this article, we will discuss the rules that should be followed when naming binary acids.
The first rule to consider when naming binary acids is to identify the nonmetallic element present in the compound. This element will serve as the base for the acid’s name. For example, in the binary acid HCl, chlorine is the nonmetallic element, and the acid is named hydrochloric acid.
The second rule involves determining the oxidation state of the nonmetallic element. This is crucial because the oxidation state will affect the prefix used in the acid’s name. Common prefixes used in binary acid naming are hydro-, hypo-, and hyper-. For instance, in the binary acid H2S, sulfur has an oxidation state of -2, so the acid is named hydrogen sulfide.
The third rule is to use the suffix “-ic” for binary acids with a higher oxidation state and “-ous” for binary acids with a lower oxidation state. For example, in the binary acid HNO3, nitrogen has an oxidation state of +5, making it a higher oxidation state acid, and the name is nitric acid. In contrast, in the binary acid HNO2, nitrogen has an oxidation state of +3, making it a lower oxidation state acid, and the name is nitrous acid.
Another important rule to follow is to prioritize the naming of binary acids based on the oxidation state of the nonmetallic element. In cases where a nonmetallic element can exhibit multiple oxidation states, the acid with the highest oxidation state should be named first. For example, the binary acid H2SeO4 has selenium in the +6 oxidation state, so it is named硒酸 (selenic acid), while the binary acid H2SeO3 has selenium in the +4 oxidation state, so it is named硒酸 (selenous acid).
Lastly, it is essential to pay attention to the number of hydrogen atoms in the binary acid. If the binary acid has more than one hydrogen atom, the prefix “hydro-” should be used, followed by the number of hydrogen atoms. For example, H2SO4 is named sulfuric acid, while H2SO3 is named sulfurous acid.
In conclusion, when naming binary acids, it is crucial to follow specific rules to ensure accurate and consistent naming. These rules include identifying the nonmetallic element, determining its oxidation state, using the appropriate prefix and suffix, prioritizing based on oxidation state, and considering the number of hydrogen atoms. By adhering to these rules, one can effectively name binary acids and avoid confusion in chemical communication.
