233k views
0 votes
Using IUPAC nomenclature, give the name of BH3 and AlH3 and elaborate why that name is correct.

A) boron trihydride & aluminum trihydride - both molecules combine two non-metals and form covalent bonds.
B) boron hydride & aluminum hydride - both compounds combine a main group metal and a non-metal to form ionic bonds.
C) boron trihydride - boron and hydrogen are both non-metals and form covalent bonds. aluminum hydride - aluminum is a main group metal and hydrogen is a non-metal and they form ionic bonds.
D) boron hydride - boron is a main group metal and hydrogen is a non-metal and they form ionic bonds. aluminum trihydride - aluminum and hydrogen are both non-metals and form covalent bonds.

User Hahnemann
by
5.3k points

2 Answers

4 votes

Answer:

the answer is c

Step-by-step explanation:

i did the usa test prep

User Steve Salowitz
by
5.6k points
0 votes

Answer: The correct answer is Option C.

Step-by-step explanation:


  • BH_3 is a covalent compound
    because sharing of electrons takes place between hydrogen and boron. Both the elements are non-metals and hence, will form covalent bond.

The nomenclature of covalent compound is given by:

1. The less electronegative element is written first.

2. The more electronegative element is written then, and a suffix is added with it. The suffix added is '-ide'.

3. If atoms of an element is greater than 1, then prefixes are added which are 'mono' for 1 atom, 'di' for 2 atoms, 'tri' for 3 atoms and so on..

So, the IUPAC name for
BH_3 is boron trihydride.


  • AlH_3 is an ionic compound
    because aluminium element is a metal and hydrogen element is a non-metal. The bond formed between a metal and a non-metal is always ionic in nature.

The nomenclature of ionic compounds is given by:

1. Positive is written first.

2. The negative ion is written next and a suffix is added at the end of the negative ion. The suffix written is '-ide'.

Hence, the name of
AlH_3 is aluminium hydride.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C.

User Santino Wang
by
6.5k points