What is the chemical name for N2O5?

Master chemistry nomenclature with our test! Featuring essential concepts, exercises, and explanations. Dive deep into chemical naming conventions!

Dinitrogen pentoxide is the correct name for N2O5. This compound is made up of two nitrogen (N) atoms and five oxygen (O) atoms. In chemical nomenclature, the prefix "di-" is used to indicate the presence of two nitrogen atoms, while "penta-" signifies the five oxygen atoms. Therefore, the systematic name accurately reflects the number of each atom present in the molecular formula.

For example, the prefix "di-" corresponds to the two nitrogen atoms, and "pent-" corresponds to the five oxygen atoms. The ending "-oxide" is standard for oxides of elements, which includes compounds formed with oxygen. This approach to naming ensures clarity and uniformity when communicating compound structures in chemistry.

Other options do not correctly represent the composition of N2O5. Dinitrogen tetroxide would imply four oxygen atoms instead of five. Trinitrogen pentoxide suggests three nitrogen atoms, which is incorrect. Dinitrogen oxalate refers to a different compound entirely, leading to confusion with its specific functional group associated with oxalic acid. Thus, the name Dinitrogen pentoxide accurately describes the chemical formula and composition of the substance in question.

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