What is the systematic name for MgSO4?

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

The systematic name for MgSO4 is magnesium sulfate. This name is derived from the components of the compound. Magnesium (Mg) is a metallic element, and when it forms a compound with the sulfate ion (SO4²⁻), the traditional naming convention in inorganic chemistry is to name the metal first followed by the polyatomic ion.

In this case, the sulfate ion is a well-known polyatomic ion composed of sulfur and oxygen, which is correctly represented in the name as "sulfate." The combination of these two parts follows the standard nomenclature rules, leading to the appropriate name "magnesium sulfate."

Other options do not conform to the proper naming conventions. "Mg sulfate" lacks the systematic naming structure because it does not provide the full name of the metal. "Magnesium sulfide" is incorrect as it refers to a different compound (MgS) where magnesium bonds with sulfide (S²⁻) instead of sulfate. "Sulfate magnesium" also does not align with standard nomenclature, as the cation is typically named first in the scientific naming conventions.

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