10
QuizMultiple Choice

Nomenclature of Covalent Compounds

Question 10 • *26-27 CFISD TX-Chemistry A CR

Which is the correct name for P2O5?

Answer
A
phosphorus dioxide
B
phosphorus pentoxide
C
diphosphorus pentoxide
D
diphosphorus hexaoxide

Explanation

P₂O₅ is a molecular compound, so use prefixes to show the number of each atom. The 2 phosphorus atoms give “diphosphorus,” and the 5 oxygen atoms give “pentoxide” (the “a” in penta is dropped before oxide). The correct name is diphosphorus pentoxide.

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