Question

naming covalent compounds
covalent compound:
pattern:
1st nonmetal + 2nd nonmetal
iupac naming rule:
(greek prefix)(name of 1st nonmetal) + (greek prefix)(stem name of 2nd nonmetal)ide
note: the last letter of some greek prefixes are dropped in instances where there is a vowel - sounding letter following it.
name the following compound:
$p_4o_{10}$

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the first non - metal

The first non - metal is phosphorus ($P$). There are 4 phosphorus atoms, and the Greek prefix for 4 is "tetra -".

Step2: Identify the second non - metal

The second non - metal is oxygen ($O$). There are 10 oxygen atoms. The Greek prefix for 10 is "deca -", and the stem name of oxygen is "ox" and we add "ide" at the end. Since "a" of "deca" is followed by "o" of "oxide", we drop the "a" of "deca".

Answer:

tetraphosphorus decoxide