Question

What is the correct name for $Mg{{F}_{2}}$ ?

Answer 1

While writing the name of an ionic compound we are supposed to write the cation name first and later anion name should be written. Identification of the cationic part and anionic part is crucial while writing the name for an ionic compound

Complete answer:
- In the question it is asked to write the correct name of $Mg{{F}_{2}}$ .
- We have to identify if the given compound is ionic or not.
- We know that the given compound $Mg{{F}_{2}}$ is ionic in nature.
- The common name of the salts can be written as Metal (charge) anion.
- Now in the given chemical the metal is magnesium and the anion is fluoride.
- After dissolving in water the chemical $Mg{{F}_{2}}$ is going to split in the following way.
$Mg{{F}_{2}}\to M{{g}^{2+}}+2{{F}^{-}}$
- From the above chemical equation we can say that the oxidation number of the magnesium in $Mg{{F}_{2}}$ is +2.
- Therefore the chemical name is Magnesium (II) fluoride.
- But in nature we can find magnesium with ‘0’ charge, or in salt form.
- Therefore we have to neglect the charge on the magnesium and we are supposed to name the chemical.
- Therefore the chemical name of the $Mg{{F}_{2}}$ is Magnesium fluoride.

Note:
The oxidation state of the cation part is supposed to be represented in roman numerals in brackets after the name of the cation in the chemical name of the compound. In the given chemical roman number (II) gives the information about the oxidation state of the Magnesium.