What is the name of the compound with the formula P4O10?

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

The compound with the formula P4O10 is correctly named tetraphosphorus decoxide. This name is derived from the number of phosphorus (P) and oxygen (O) atoms in the formula. The prefix "tetra-" indicates that there are four phosphorus atoms, while the prefix "deca-" indicates that there are ten oxygen atoms.

In systematic nomenclature for covalent compounds, the prefixes are crucial for accurately conveying the number of each type of atom present. Therefore, the name reflects both the number of phosphorus atoms and the number of oxygen atoms in a clear and precise manner, adhering to the rules of naming such compounds in chemistry.

The other names provided do not match the molecular formula of P4O10. For example, diphosphorus trioxide would imply a formula with two phosphorus atoms and three oxygen atoms, while phosphorus pentoxide suggests there are five oxygen atoms associated with phosphorus. Boron trifluoride, on the other hand, refers to a completely different compound that contains boron and fluorine, not phosphorus and oxygen. This further affirms that tetraphosphorus decoxide is indeed the correct name for the compound with the formula P4O10.

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