What is the name of the compound with the formula CaSO3
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The name of the compound with the formula CaSO₃ is calcium sulfite.
Explanation
Calcium sulfite is an ionic compound composed of calcium (Ca²⁺) and the sulfite ion (SO₃²⁻). To understand this name and how the formula is derived, we must first look at the components of the compound:
- Calcium (Ca):
Calcium is a metal from Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) of the periodic table. Elements in this group typically form +2 cations (Ca²⁺) when they lose two electrons. - Sulfite (SO₃²⁻):
Sulfite is a polyatomic ion consisting of one sulfur atom bonded to three oxygen atoms. It carries a −2 charge overall. It is important not to confuse it with sulfate (SO₄²⁻), which has one more oxygen atom than sulfite.
To form a neutral ionic compound, the charges of the cation and anion must balance. In this case:
- Ca²⁺ (calcium ion) has a charge of +2
- SO₃²⁻ (sulfite ion) has a charge of −2
Since both ions have charges of equal magnitude but opposite signs, only one of each ion is needed to balance the charges, leading to the formula:
CaSO₃
This compound is named by naming the metal first (calcium) followed by the name of the polyatomic ion (sulfite), without any prefixes or suffixes. Hence, the correct name is calcium sulfite.
Uses and Properties:
Calcium sulfite is often used as a preservative or antioxidant, especially in the food and beverage industries. It can also appear as a byproduct in industrial processes, particularly in flue-gas desulfurization, where it helps reduce sulfur dioxide emissions. It is a white or off-white powder that is sparingly soluble in water.
Understanding the nomenclature of compounds like calcium sulfite helps in studying chemical reactions, predicting products, and interpreting chemical behavior.
