What is the chemical name for CO?

The correct chemical name for CO is Carbon monoxide. This name accurately reflects the composition of the molecule, which consists of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom. In chemical nomenclature, the prefix "mono-" is used to indicate the presence of a single atom of an element. Therefore, combining this with "carbon" and "oxide" (which denotes the presence of oxygen), we arrive at "carbon monoxide."

In contrast, carbon dioxide, which is the name for CO₂, contains two oxygen atoms, not one. Carbon tetraoxide and carbon trioxide imply the presence of four and three oxygen atoms, respectively, which is not applicable for the CO molecule. Thus, "carbon monoxide" is the only name that correctly describes the actual composition of the compound.