Chemistry Quiz: Naming Compounds

What is the correct name for Co₂(CO3)3?

A. Cobalt (III) Carbide Oxide

B. Cobalt Carbonate

C. Cobalt Carbide Oxide

D. Cobalt(III) Carbonate

Answer:

The correct name for Co₂(CO3)3 is Cobalt(III) Carbonate.

The correct name for Co₂(CO3)3 is Cobalt(III) Carbonate. In this compound, cobalt has a +3 oxidation state, which is indicated by (III) in the name. Carbonate is the polyatomic ion CO3 with a -2 charge. Since there are three CO3 ions, the overall charge of the compound is -6. The compound CO2(CO3)3 consists of one cobalt ion and three carbonate ions.

It is important to understand the rules for naming compounds to correctly identify and communicate chemical formulas and compositions. Understanding the oxidation states of elements and the charges of polyatomic ions is crucial in naming compounds in chemistry.

For further information and practice on naming compounds, you can refer to educational resources and guides on chemical nomenclature.