Question

Write the IUPAC name of $FeC{l_2}$
A.Ferrous (II) chloride
B.Ferrous chloride
C.Iron chloride
D.Iron (II) chloride

Answer 1

To solve the given question, we need to first discuss the basic rule for nomenclature of inorganic compounds. Then, we need to identify the constituent elements and follow the rules to name the compound accordingly.

Complete Step-by-Step Answer:
Before we move forward with the solution of the given question, let us first understand some important basic concepts.
Some basic rules for the IUPAC nomenclature of inorganic compounds can be given as:
1.We need to first identify the constituent elements that are present in the compound.
2.If the given compound is ionic in nature, then the element which is placed at the left side of the chemical formula, is the positive ion and the one on the right side is the negative ion
3.When naming the compound, we must first name the positive part of the compound. Now, if the parent metal of the cation shows multiple oxidation states, then we need to specify the particular ion name along with the oxidation state exhibited by that ion in brackets. This is used as the suffix of the IUPAC name of the given compound.
4.The negative part of the compound is written as the name of the parent element followed by the corresponding suffix.
5.At all steps, necessary suffixes and prefixes must be added depending on the oxidation states, presence of oxyanions, etc.
In the given question, the compound given to us is $FeC{l_2}$. The cation used over here is iron. Iron shows 2 oxidation states, +2 and +3. We know that the oxidation state of chlorine is (-1). Hence, the oxidation state of iron in this compound is +2. The corresponding suffix for a lower oxidation state is $- ous$. Hence, the cation is named as ferrous (II). Also, the anion in chlorine. Hence, the name of the compound is ferrous (II) Chloride.

Hence, Option A is the correct option

Note: When the metal has more than one possible ionic charge or oxidation number the name becomes ambiguous. In these cases, the oxidation number (the same as the charge) of the metal ion is represented by a Roman numeral in parentheses immediately following the metal ion name.