Name the following compound, CS2 .
A. carbon(II) sulfide
B. monocarbon disulfide
C. carbon disulfide
D. carbon sulfide
E. carbon disulfate
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct name for the compound CS₂ is C. carbon disulfide.
Explanation:
Carbon disulfide (CS₂) is a chemical compound composed of one carbon atom and two sulfur atoms. To accurately name a compound, we utilize the IUPAC nomenclature rules, which guide how we construct the names of compounds based on their constituent elements.
- Element Names: In this compound, the first element is carbon (C), and the second element is sulfur (S). When naming binary compounds (compounds made of two different elements), we name the first element using its elemental name, which remains “carbon” in this case.
- Prefixes: The second element’s name is modified, typically by changing its ending to “-ide.” Additionally, prefixes are used to indicate the number of atoms of each element in the compound. The prefixes are:
- Mono- (1)
- Di- (2)
- Tri- (3)
- Tetra- (4)
- Penta- (5)
- Hexa- (6), etc. Since there are two sulfur atoms in carbon disulfide, we use the prefix “di-.” Hence, “sulfur” becomes “sulfide.”
- Combining the Names: By combining the names of both elements with their appropriate prefixes, we arrive at “carbon disulfide.”
- Alternative Options: Analyzing the other options:
- A. carbon(II) sulfide implies a specific oxidation state, which is not used in naming simple binary compounds like CS₂.
- B. monocarbon disulfide incorrectly implies there is only one carbon atom, which is not necessary in naming conventions when the first element is singular.
- D. carbon sulfide is incomplete because it doesn’t indicate the number of sulfur atoms.
- E. carbon disulfate suggests a different type of compound, usually involving an oxyanion.
In summary, the appropriate IUPAC name for CS₂, emphasizing its composition and adhering to nomenclature rules, is carbon disulfide.